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See page 282 

The other bear made a savage attack 







THE “ NORTH POLE ” SERIES. 

\ 


THE SEARCH FOR 
THE NORTH POLE 

BY 


EDWIN JAMES HOUSTON, Ph.D. 

Member of the Academy of Natural Sciences, American Philosophical 
Society; Past President of the American Institute of Electrical 
Engineers; author of “ Electricity in Every Day Life,” 
and many popular scientific works; President of the 
Boys’ Brotherhood of Philadelphia and 
author of numerous stories for boys. 


) ) > 
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) ) ) 


THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO. 


CHICAGO 


PHILADELPHIA 


TORONTO 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 



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THE NORTH POLE SERIES of Books for Boys, by Prof. 
Edwin J. Houston, Ph.D., giving boys not only vivid and thrill- 
ing stories of adventure, but in narrating for them in a most 
attractive manner fascinating and accurate accounts of the 
most recent scientific knowledge in which all boys are more in- 
terested than in any other study or pastime. The titles of 
the three volumes are : 

“The Search for the North Pole,” 

‘‘The Discovery of the North Pole,” 

‘‘Cast Away at the North Pole.” 

Published in attractive form, with remarkably clever illustra- 
tions. Three vols., 12mo. Cloth. Price, $1.00 each, or $3.00 
per set, neatly boxed. 

THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., 

Publishers, 

Philadelphia, Pa. 


Copyright 1907 

BY 

The John C. Winston Co. 






RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO HIS FRIEND 

MR. AMOS BONSALL 

OF PHILADELPHIA 

THE ONLY SURVIVING MEMBER OF THE 

KANE POLAR EXPEDITION OF 1854-5. 


My Dear Dr. Houston: 

I am delighted that you have completed your “trio” 
of books for boys, and I feel highly honored by your propo- 
sition to dedicate them to me as the last survivor of 

/ 

the Kane Arctic Expedition. 

The manuscript which I have read assures me that 
your stories will be popular and instructive to the rising 
generation of American boys, since they are attractively 
told, and accurately express some of the phenomena of 
the regions of the Far North. 

Your friend, 

(Signed) Amos Bonsall. 


PREFACE 


In the North Pole Series the author has endeavored to 
prepare stories of Arctic discoveries and adventures that 
shall not only be of interest to his readers, but shall as 
nearly as possible, as far as the physical features of the 
regions described are concerned, being in accordance with 
facts, prove a reliable source of information. 

In order to obtain the necessary facts as to the physi- 
cal features of the regions, as well as to understand the 
difficulties that have so far prevented any one from reach- 
ing the North Pole, the author has freely consulted most 
of the works on Arctic explorations. 

In this series of books the author has attempted to 
show how the recent great discoveries and inventions in 
physical science, especially in wireless telegraphy and 
dirigible balloons, are capable of being employed for over- 
coming the many difficulties that have stood in the way of 
success. 

In “The Search for the North Pole” the progress of 
the Henderson-Kransen North Polar Expedition has been 
traced from New York City to its winter headquarters 
on the northern shore of Grant Land. In “The Discovery 
of the North Pole” the author hopes to be able to show 
that notwithstanding the climatic rigors of the Far North, 
it is possible not only to live comfortably in these regions, 
but even commercially to develop fairly extensive por- 
tions of their area. 

In addition to the aid the author has received from 
various books on Arctic exploration, especially those of 
Kane, Greely, Nansen, Peary and others, he desires espec- 
ially to acknowledge his indebtedness to his friend. Mr. 
Amos Bonsall, for careful revision of the manuscript. 

The author trusts that these books will not only 
prove of interest to his many boy friends, but will also 
give them valuable information. 

E. J. H. 

Philadelphia, January, 1907. 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

Chap. I. Professor Lars Kransen and his 

Nephew, Andree Kransen . . 9 

Chap. II. A North Polar Discussion 24 

Chap. III. The Multi-Millionaire 42 

Chap. IV. Andree Kransen 63 

Chap. V. Eric Hanscombe 81 

Chap. VI. Andree and Eric 98 

Chap. VII. The Sailing of the Henderson- 
Kransen North Polar Ex- 
pedition 117 

Chap. VIII. Man Overboard 136 

Chap. IX. The Assistant Reporters of the 
Henderson-Kransen North 
Polar Expedition 154 


Contents 


PAGE 


Chap. X. From New York Harbor to 

Greenland 176 

Chap. XI. Hector and Snowflake 197 

Chap. XII. Hemmed in by Icebergs 228 

Chap. XIII. Lost on the Ice-floe 259 

Chap. XIV. The Breaking Up of the Ice- 
floe. Reaching Camp 
Henderson 288 

Chap. XV. Erecting Winter Quarters at 

Camp Henderson 307 

Chap. XVI. Sealed Letter No. 2 327 

Chap. XVII. The Training of the Sledge 

Dogs. The Walrus Hunt. 341 

Chap. XVIII. The Fire 359 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


PAGE 

The Other Bear Made a Savage Attack 

Frontispiece 


Map of Polar Regions 9 

“Fm a Kid, am I!” 88 

“Man Overboard!” 144 

Drew the Line Against the Iron Rod 350 


CHARACTERS 


George I. Henderson, Multi-Millionaire, and Financial 
Backer of the Expedition. 

Prof. Lars Kransen, Commander of the Henderson- 
Kransen North Polar Expedition. 

Dr. Horatio Hanscombe, Chief Physician of the Expedi- 
tion. 

Captain Silas Jones, of New Bedford, Mass., Chief Navi- 
gator. 

Andree Kransen, Nephew of Professor Kransen. 

Eric Hanscombe, Nephew of Dr. Hanscombe, and An- 
dree’s Chum. 

Gideon E. Brown, Reporter. 

Dr. Henry Stone, Assistant Physician. 

Charles Thomas, Chief Electrician. 

Anders Jannsen, Chief Mechanician. 

Hjalmar Gorgsen, Boatswain. 

Hans Minnemann, Hunter. 

Heinrich Krandemann j Fisherman. 

Joe, Chief Sledge Driver. 




























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THE SEARCH FOR THE 
NORTH POLE 

CHAPTER I 

PROFESSOR LARS KRANSEN AND HIS NEPHEW, 
ANDREE KRANSEN 

T HE time was near five o ’clock on a cer- 
tain day in March. The place was the 
gymnasium in one of the large private 
schools in New York City. The school 
evidently believed in physical culture, for 
not only was the gymnasium large, but it 
was equipped with apparatus that could 
leave little to be desired in the way of con- 
struction or variety. There were, at this 
time, but few students on the floor of the 
gymnasium, since most of those, who had 
been there at an earlier hour, had either 


10 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


left for their homes, were cooling off under 
some of the shower baths with which the 
gym was liberally supplied, or were enjoying 
themselves in its large swimming pool. 

A group of ten boys, whose ages ranged 
from sixteen to eighteen, was collected 
around a mat on the floor of the gym, 
closely watching a wrestling match between 
two lads, each of whom was about seven- 
teen years of age. The watchers were in 
their gymnasium suits. They had drawn 
on their sweaters, since they had all been 
engaged in wrestling bouts, and the air of 
the thoroughly ventilated room was some- 
what chilly. The physical instructor of the 
gym was standing with the others watching 
the two lads who were wrestling. 

The two lads were closely matched not 
only as to weight, but also as regards their 
physical development. It soon became evi- 
dent to the onlookers that of the two wrest- 
lers, the lad they called Andree had by far 


KRANSEN AND HIS NEPHEW 


11 


the greatest skill in wrestling, for he had re- 
peatedly thrown his opponent on his back, 
making both shoulders touch the mat at the 
same time. As is common under such cir- 
cumstances, the onlookers began to chaff the 
defeated boy. 

“ You’re not in Andree ’s class, my boy,” 
cried one. “ You’d better give in.” 

Another boy shouted: 

“Why don’t you look out for yourself? 
When you let Kransen get that half -Nelson 
on you, there was very little chance for 
your escaping a touch.” 

The defeated lad, turning to Andree 
good-naturedly, said: 

“Well, Andree, I guess I’m not in your 
class. You’d better tackle one of the other 
boys. ’ ’ 

Andree remained on the mat for about 
ten minutes longer, during which time he 
had separate bouts with two other Iboys, 
both of whom he succeeded in defeating. 


12 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


‘ 6 Now, boys,” said the instructor, “take 
a shower, and then cool off by a plunge in 
the swimming pool before dressing for the 
street.” 

Andree Kransen, the wrestler above re- 
ferred to, was the only nephew of Prof. 
Lars Kransen, an engineer of New York 
City, who was well known for his profes- 
sional ability in both America and Europe. 
He had successfully completed several large 
operations, and was now engaged in inves- 
tigations on gasoline motors of his own in- 
vention. 

Prof. Kransen ’s family was very limited, 
consisting as it did of only himself and 
Andree. The professor had a brother, 
named Otto, much younger than himself, 
who had very happily married, Andree be- 
ing the only child. Quite recently, how- 
ever, Otto Kransen and his wife had been 
killed in a railroad accident. Lars Kran- 
sen, who had almost idolized his younger 


KRANSEN AND HIS NEPHEW 


13 


brother, had immediately gone to Sweden, 
where his brother had lived, and brought 
back Andree to his home in New York, 
where he had invited him to live with him 
for the rest of his life. 

Andree had -been with his uncle only 
about four months from the time our story 
opens. During this time a strong affection 
had sprung up between them, so that the 
great love of the boy for his father and 
mother was being transferred to his uncle. 
As for the engineer, he had already learned 
to love his nephew as if he were his own 
child. 

There was much about Andree to 
strengthen his uncle’s attachment to him, 
for the lad possessed many lovable traits 
of character. 

But what especially drew the engineer to 
his nephew was Andree ’s wonderful resem- 
blance to his father when the latter was a 
boy. This likeness was so close that Lars 


14 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


would often feel as though his brother Otto 
were before him in the flesh. 

After a splendid swim the boys dispersed 
in various directions to their homes with 
excellent appetites for the dinners that were 
awaiting them. 

Andree Kransen was a splendidly built 
lad as might have been better seen when he 
was stripped for the shower and plunge 
bath. The careful manner in which the 
building of his body had been looked after 
while in school in both Sweden and in New 
York, had insured for him magnificent 
health and development, so that, as he 
stepped into the crisp, cold air of the street, 
and started on a rapid walk toward his 
home, he felt especially pleased both with 
himself and with the world. 

Andree was very affectionate. When 
his father and mother had been so sudden- 
ly taken away from him it seemed as if 
there was nothing left for him in the world ; 


KRANSEN AND HIS NEPHEW 15 

but, as already mentioned, it was not long 
before the lad had transferred much of this 
love to his uncle, so that the world began to 
look brighter and brighter. The thoughts 
of the lad were therefore very pleasant as he 
hurried home. Had one been able to hear 
what he was saying to himself it would 
have been somewhat as follows: 

“I have been now with Uncle Lars for 
about four months only, but in that short 
time he has showed again and again how 
greatly he loves me. How lucky a boy I am 
to have gained the affections of such a man, 
and what a wonderful man Uncle Lars is. 
I remember thinking when father and 
mother were taken away so suddenly that I 
could never again be happy, but here I am 
living in New York City with uncle, a man 
I have learned to love almost as much as I 
did father. How happy I am in thinking 
there is no chance of uncle leaving me in 
New York, for he told me the other day 


16 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


that as far as he could see, there was noth- 
ing that would take him away from the 
City for the next four or five years. Yes,” 
continued the lad, “I remember uncle’s ex- 
act words : 

“ ‘As far as I know, Andree, I shall re- 
main in New York City for the next four 
or five years, during which time I espe- 
cially desire that you should obtain as good 
an education as possible.’ 

“I will certainly try to do this,” con- 
tinued Andree, “not only because I myself 
wish to become educated, but also because 
Uncle Lars wishes it, and I would do any- 
thing for him.” 

Andree had become so excited, when he 
came to the last part of the above soliloquy, 
that he repeated the words, ‘I would do 
anything for him, ’ in quite an audible tone. 
He had become so interested in communing 
with himself that he* was unaware of the 
fact that he was talking aloud. He did not 


KRANSEN AND HIS NEPHEW 


17 


even notice where he was going ; for, he sud- 
denly came with great force against a gen- 
tleman, who was coming in the opposite di- 
rection, and who also seemed to be pre-oc- 
cupied. 

“I beg your pardon, sir,” replied And- 
ree, without especially noting the features 
of the gentleman. “It was certainly very 
careless in me to run into you in this man- 
ner.” And then recognizing his uncle he 
added : 

“Why, Uncle Lars, please excuse me. I 
have unintentionally given you a hard 
bump. I hope I have not hurt you. Have 
I?” he inquired anxiously. 

“Not at all, my boy,” said his uncle af- 
fectionately, “but what were you talking 
about? I distinctly heard you say, ‘I would 
do anything for him.’ I am glad it was a 
him and not a her,” continued his uncle, 
smilingly. “Tell me, who it is that you 

would do anything for.” 

2 


18 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


‘ 4 Well, Uncle,” said Andree, blushing, “I 
guess that I had better tell you all about it. 
I did not think I was speaking so loud, but 
while walking home I had been thinking of 
how much has happened to me since the 
death of father and mother, and of all your 
kindness to me. I was thinking of how you 
are always trying to make me happy, and 
was remembering how you said to me the 
other day that you wished that I should get 
as good an education as possible.” 

“And what determination did you reach, 
Andree?” inquired his uncle. 

“I made up my mind, Uncle Lars, that I 
would try hard to become a learned man. 
Of course, not as learned as you, for that 
I never hope to be, but a learned man, not 
only because I wish myself to do this, but 
especially because you requested it, and 
then I added the words you heard, meaning 
that I would certainly do this, as you asked 
me.” 


KRANSEN AND HIS NEPHEW 


19 


Prof. Kransen was greatly effected by 
what his nephew had told him. 

“So you really care for me, my boy? I 
am glad indeed to hear it.” 

“And then, Uncle,” continued Andree, “I 
was also pleased because you told me that 
as far as you knew you would be able to 
remain in New York City for the next four 
or five years while I was being educated. 
You know I am almost alone in this great 
city, and would be very unhappy should 
anything take you away from me.” 

When Andree thus spoke of there being 
no chance of his uncle leaving New York 
City, a worried look came over the man’s 
face, which his nephew did not fail to ob- 
serve, and determined to speak about it as 
soon as they reached home. 

At this time, however, they had reached 
the door of one of the most exclusive club- 
houses in New York City whose patrons 
were men of great prominence. As Prof. 


20 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


Kransen turned to go into the house, Andree 
inquired : 

“Why, Uncle Lars, I thought you were 
going home to dinner? Shall I wait here 
for you?” 

“No, Andree,” replied his uncle. “I 
have important business, so that it will be 
necessary to take my dinner here. You 
had better hurry home, so as to be there in 
good time. So good-bye, and, if I should 
not see you again before morning, good 
night.” 

“Good-bye, Uncle,” said Andree. “But 
please tell me, have I worried you by the 
question I asked about leaving New York 
City? I hope not. There is no probability 
of your leaving me alone in this city, is 
there?” he added anxiously. 

“Please don’t ask me that question just 
now, Andree,” replied his uncle, while the 
worried look again spread over his face. 
“Of course, you are old enough to know 


KRANSEN AND HIS NEPHEW 


21 


that one ’s plans must sometimes be changed 
very suddenly. You can see, therefore, 
that although as I told you I expected con- 
fidently to spend the next four or five years 
with you in New York City, yet circum- 
stances might arise that would render it 
necessary for me to be in a different place. 

“As you know, the duties of an engineer 
sometimes require him to go to a distant 
part of the world on very short notice. 
But I must go into the clubhouse so I will 
say good night. Now, by boy, don’t worry. 
Whatever I may be obliged to do, I will so 
arrange matters that you will be well looked 
after while in New York City, and your 
education shall not be neglected.” 

The sudden and unexpected meeting with 
Andree, coupled as it had been, with the af- 
fectionate remark- he had overheard, 
greatly affected Prof. Kransen, but when 
his nephew began to rejoice in his belief, 
that he would not be separated from his 


22 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


uncle for the next four or five years, it be- 
came more and more evident that something 
was weighing heavily on his mind. It will 
be necessary to explain briefly what this 
trouble was. 

Prof. Lars Kransen was a close student 
of the literature of Arctic exploration. He 
had made himself thoroughly acquainted 
with practically all the efforts that had 
been made to reach the North Pole, espec- 
ially with the probable reasons for their 
failures. He had repeatedly expressed his 
belief, as an engineer, that the North Pole 
of the earth could be reached, provided in- 
telligent use was made of the many recent 
discoveries in applied physics, especially in 
the direction of wireless telegraphy and 
aerial navigation. These views were well 
known to a large circle of friends, and in 
this way had come to the hearing of a mul- 
ti-millionaire, with whom, only recently, he 
had been in correspondence. Indeed, it be- 


KRANSEN AND HIS NEPHEW 


23 


gan to appear possible that he might soon 
have an opportunity for testing the correct- 
ness of his views by actually taking charge 
of a North Polar expedition. Before the 
death of his brother, and the coming of 
Andree to live with him, Kransen would 
have hailed such an opportunity with joy, 
but now it was a very different matter. 

But he had not yet made up his mind as to 
what answer he would give should the op- 
portunity be offered him of heading such 
an expedition, and it was, therefore, with no 
little anxiety of mind that he entered the 
clubhouse, and after a hurried dinner went 
into the reading room to look over the daily 
newspapers. 


CHAPTER II 


A NORTH POLAR DISCUSSION 

R EACHING the reading-room of the 
club, Kransen looked over a number 
of newspapers without, however, very 
closely following their contents, for his acci- 
dental meeting with his nephew, coupled as 
it was with his uncertainty what decision 
he should make concerning a possible North 
Polar Expedition, had left him very un- 
happy. At last, however, something in one 
of the papers attracted his attention, so 
looking up from it, he remarked to a number 
of gentlemen sitting around the table: 

“Poor fellow! Of course, there is prac- 
tically no hope at this late day of either the 
man or his companions being alive. I 
agree, however, with the writer, that efforts 
24 


A NORTH POLAR DISCUSSION 


25 


should continue to be made to find traces of 
the men, or of the balloon and its contents.’ ’ 

“To whom do you refer, Kransen?” 
asked Leavitt, a stock broker. 

“To S. A. Andree, and his two compan- 
ions, three of the many other brave men 
who have faced the rigors of the Arctic re- 
gions, and the dreary loneliness of their 
long winter nights, in vain attempts to 
reach the North Pole.” 

“Are you familiar with Andree *s at- 
tempt to reach the North Pole, and the ef- 
forts that have been made to learn his 
fate?” asked Leavitt. 

“Yes, I think I know nearly all that is 
known, not only because I am greatly inter- 
ested in Arctic explorations, but also be- 
cause I am a distant connection of Andree. 
If you care to hear about it come to an- 
other room, where we will not disturb the 
gentlemen who are reading and who may not 
be interested in Andree.” 


26 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


On hearing this remark, one of the gen- 
tlemen said: 

“ Don’t leave, Kransen. We would all 
like to hear the story, would we not?” he 
inquired of the remaining gentlemen. 

“Yes. Let us have it here, Kransen.” 

Kransen, offering no further objection, 
said: 

“In June, 1897, S. A. An dree, of Sweden, 
with two companions, left Danes Island, a 
small island off the coast of Spitzbergen, 
in a balloon in an attempt to reach the North 
Pole. Andree appears to have first con- 
ceived the possibility of doing this as early 
as 1882. Obtaining financial aid from Os- 
car, King of Sweden, Baron Oscar Dick- 
son, and Mr. Alfred Nohl, and others of 
Sweden, he fitted out an expedition that 
left Sweden for Spitzbergen in 1896. A 
balloon house was erected on Danes Island, 
but by reason of contrary winds, as well as 
from the too rapid leakage of gas from the 


A NORTH POLAR DISCUSSION 


27 


balloon, the ascension was postponed, and 
the expedition returned to Sweden. 

“ Greatly improving the construction of 
his balloon, so as to enable it better to retain 
its gas, Andree returned to Spitzbergen in 
June, 1897, accompanied by Dr. S. T. 
Strindberg and Herr Prsenckell. 

“ Andree ’s balloon was sixty-seven and a 
half feet in diameter, and had a capacity of 
70,000 cubic feet. It carried a load of some 
five tons consisting of food, arms, scientific 
instruments, and ballast. The improve- 
ments effected in its gas-tight powers were 
such that Andree believed that it would be 
possible to keep the balloon suspended in 
the air for at least thirty days. He calcu- 
lated that, with a speed of from 12 to 15~ 
miles per hour, he should reach the North 
Pole in six days. 

“The balloon, with Andree, Strindberg 
and Fraenckell was freed from the ropes 
that held it, at 2:30 P. M., July 11th, 1897, 


28 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


and was carried by the wind over the moun- 
tainous island of Vogelsang, at an elevation 
of about 15,000 feet, moving rapidly to- 
ward the northeast, and remaining in sight 
for about one hour, when it disappeared be- 
low the distant horizon. 

“Two days afterwards, a message from 
Andree was received, by means of a carrier 
pigeon, saying that on July 13th, at noon, 
the balloon was in latitude 82° 2' north, 
longitude 15° 5' east, and that all were well. 
This was the last that was ever heard from 
the unfortunate man and his two compan- 
ions. Various reports have come from dif- 
ferent directions, but they have all been 
vague and unsatisfactory. A buoy was 
afterwards picked up off the northeastern 
coast of Spitzbergen, and identified as one 
Andree had taken with him. The fact that 
it had an anchor attached to it makes it be- 
lieved that these articles were thrown out 
in order to lighten the balloon and to keep 


A NORTH POLAR DISCUSSION 


29 


it afloat. It would appear, therefore, that 
the balloon was lost in the ocean.” 

“Do you believe, Kransen,” asked one of 
the gentlemen, “that any of these men are 
still living?” 

“It seems to me incredible that any of 
them are still alive at this late date. Of 
course, their previous Arctic experience 
might have enabled them to prolong a mis- 
erable existence for a few years on some 
lonely spot, yet so long a time has now 
passed as to make this extremely improb- 
able. I am, therefore, reluctantly com- 
pelled to say that in my opinion, the men 
have long ago miserably perished.” 

“Is it not curious,” said a lawyer named 
Judson, “that with all the recent advances 
in the physical sciences, it has so far been 
impossible to reach the North Pole. I un- 
derstand, Kransen, from my general read- 
ing, that many such efforts have been made 
from very early dates.” 


30 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“True, Judson. Omitting the two voy- 
ages of Sebastian Cabot in 1497 and 1498, 
there are the voyages of the Portuguese, 
Gaspar Cortereal, in 1500, who sailed along 
the coast of North America as far as 60° 
north latitude, and of his brother, Miguel 
Cortereal, in 1501, who reached what is be- 
lieved to have been Hudson Strait. 

“You must not suppose, however, that it 
was in the search for the North Pole that 
these early voyagers perished. They were 
endeavoring to find the so-called northwest 
passage, a short route across the North Pole 
to the Indies. Indeed, it was in the en- 
deavor to find this passage that most of the 
early voyages to the Arctic regions were 
undertaken. In a similar manner, the ef- 
forts to find a northeast passage from Eng- 
land to the Indies, in order to enable that 
country to compete with Spain and Portu- 
gal in the trade with the Orient, led to the 
many Arctic expeditions from England. 


A NORTH POLAR DISCUSSION 


31 


“But without troubling you with details, 
I will merely name some of the many illus- 
trious navigators and explorers of the 
earth’s Arctic regions, such as Willoughby, 
in 1553; Frobisher, in 1576-1578; Davis, in 
1585; Barentz, in 1594; Hudson, in 1607- 
1609 and 1611 ; Baffin, in 1616 ; Behring, in 
1616; Phipps, in 1773; Cook, in 1776; John 
Ross, in 1818; Barrow, in 1818; Parry, in 
1819; Wrangell, in 1820 and 1823; Sir John 
Franklin’s various voyages in 1819 to 1822, 
and his last unfortunate voyage in 1845, in 
the Erebus and Terror, from which he 
never returned; Parry, in 1819-1821; 
Scoresby, in 1821 and 1822; Ross, who spent 
four years from 1829 to 1833, in the Arctic 
regions; De Haven, in 1850, and Kane, in 
1853 and 1855. 

“As regards the more recent attempts at 
Arctic explorations, with which you are 
probably familiar, I will merely mention 
Nordenskjold, in 1878-1879; De Long, in 


32 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


1879-1881 ; Greely, in 1881-1882 ; Schwatka, 
in 1883 ; Nansen, across Greenland, in 1881, 
and Ms subsequent adventurous voyage in 
the ‘Fram,’ as well as on sledges, across the 
ice pack in 1896; Peary, in his various ex- 
peditions in 1891, and subsequently An- 
dree’s unfortunate voyage in 1897, and fi- 
nally, Arbruzzi, in 1901. I have necessarily 
omitted many names of distinguished Arc- 
tic explorers, having referred only to the 
few who have come uppermost in my 
thoughts. I have said enough, however, to 
let you see how many efforts have been 
made, and how many lives have been sacri- 
ficed in attempts to penetrate this small un- 
explored portion of the earth. ’ ’ 

“And all of these expeditions,” re- 
marked Judson, “have proved failures, 
have they not?” 

“What do you mean by failures?” in- 
quired the engineer. 

“That none of them have succeeded either 


A NORTH POLAR DISCUSSION 


33 


in finding the northwest or northeast pas- 
sages, or in reaching the earth’s North 
Pole.” 

“The earth’s North Pole is still to he 
found. A northwest passage has recently 
been made by a Dane, though not across the 
North Pole. As regards the northeast pas- 
sage, however, a vessel known as the Chan- 
cellor succeeded in making a passage from 
the west coast of England to the White Sea 
in Russia. The route so discovered was af- 
terwards employed to the great benefit of the 
commerce of both England and Russia. 
While, of course, these were not the north- 
east or northwest passages across the North 
Pole, still they were northeast and north- 
west passages.” 

“Then,” said Judson, “all these efforts 
have been unsuccessful, have they not?” 

“Yes, Judson,” was the reply. “In that 
sense they have been unsuccessful.” 

“For my part,” said another of the gen- 

3 


34 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


tlemen, a merchant by the name of Ensin- 
ger, ‘ ‘it seems that the sending out of polar 
expeditions is very unbusinesslike. I doubt 
whether any real good has ever come from 
them. Certainly not enough to warrant 
the sacrifice of human life, or the enormous 
expenditure of money.’ ’ 

“ There you are mistaken, Ensinger,” 
warmly replied Kransen. “It does not fol- 
low, because no immediate good attends cer- 
tain efforts, that they are failures. In 
point of fact, it can be shown that the bene- 
fits, which have resulted from Arctic ex- 
plorations, have been both many and far- 
reaching.” 

“If I am wrong,” replied Ensinger good 
naturedly, “I am willing to be convinced.” 

“Then listen,” said Kransen. “I as- 
sume it to be a truth you will not question, 
that the world profits by any increase in the 
sum total of its knowledge. Now it has 
been by reason of these Arctic expeditions 


A NORTH POLAR DISCUSSION 


35 


that much important knowledge has been 
gained as to portions of the earth lying 
within the limits of the Arctic Circle. I 
will name only some of these. 

“It was within the limits of the Arctic 
Circle it has been discovered that the earth’s 
Northern Hemisphere possesses more than 
a single magnetic pole. As you know, this 
is a matter of great importance for the safe 
guidance of the navigator in all parts of the 
world. 

“It has been within the limits of the Arc- 
tic Circle that certain facts have been dis- 
covered respecting variations in the atmos- 
pheric pressure, from a knowledge of which 
it has been possible the more accurately to 
determine the causes of coming changes of 
climate in the three great northern conti- 
nents of North America, Europe and Asia. 

“It has been within the limits of the Arc- 
tic Circle that careful studies in the tem- 
perature of deep sea soundings have been 


36 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


made, that "have thrown considerable light 
on the unequal expansion of water, one of 
the principal causes of the great movements 
of the oceanic waters between the equator 
and the poles. 

“It has been within the limits of the Arc- 
tic Circle that careful studies have been 
made of the great changes in the earth’s 
climate, that have occurred during the geo- 
logical ages. 

“Finally, it has been within the limits of 
the Arctic Circle that the study of the ice 
fields has proved of great value in investi- 
gations of the earth’s glacial phenoiiiena.” 

“You have given me an excellent answer, 
Kransen. It shows how unsafe it is to 
make general statements based on insuffi- 
cient knowledge. Still, regarding it from 
a purely financial standpoint, can you give 
me any figures as to the actual value in dol- 
lars and cents that has resulted from Arc- 
tic explorations?” 


A NORTH POLAR DISCUSSION 37 

“I can do that without much difficulty, 
Ensinger. To begin with, take the case of 
the northern whale fisheries. These were 
the direct result of the early voyages of 
Scor.esby and others in the far north. 
While these fisheries continued, they netted 
enormous sums of money. The Dutch 
whale fisheries, in the frozen seas of the 
north, netted a money value from 1668 to 
1778 of more than $100,000,000. The esti- 
mated value of the American whale fish- 
eries, between the years 1804 and 1877, was 
$332,000,000, while that of the British 
whale fisheries has been placed at $250,- 
000,000, thus making the total of the three 
nations reach the enormous sum of $682,- 
000,000. 

“Then again, the Hudson Bay Fur Com- 
pany, which is, as you know, an exceedingly 
rich company, was established as the indi- 
rect result of Arctic explorations. 

“But, coming nearer home, let us take 


38 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

tlie wonderful results that have been 
reached in the case of the Territory of 
Alaska. It was not many years ago when 
the wisdom of the purchase of this immense 
region from Russia by our government was 
bitterly attacked by practically all the news- 
papers, yet, as you know, the marvelously 
great value of this territory is now ac- 
knowledged by all. 

When Kransen completed his remark, 
there was a general laugh at Ensinger, who 
joined in it, and acknowledged that he had 
again been mistaken. 

“I had no idea that such great money re- 
sults had come from Arctic explorations.” 

“But what is going to be the result, 
Kransen,” asked another of the gentlemen, 
who had thus far only been listening to the 
conversation.. “Is the world never to have 
more accurate knowledge concerning the 
condition of things in the immediate neigh- 
borhood of its northern axis? Should it 


A NORTH POLAR DISCUSSION 39 

not be possible, with the recent discoveries 
in physical science, to attack this problem 
so as to command success ?” 

“I am glad to answer your question, Dr. 
Hanscombe,” said Kransen. “'I firmly be- 
lieve that if the problem be properly at- 
tacked, the North Pole of the earth will be 
reached beyond the possibility of doubt. 
But to do this, all elements of chance must 
be eliminated. Advantage must be taken 
of all discoveries that would be of use in 
enabling man to make his way against the 
forces that have so far successfully pre- 
vented him from entering the immediate 
neighborhood of the poles. I have, indeed, 
thought out the details of a plan whereby 
this may be done. But, gentlemen, I must 
ask you to excuse me, as I have a tele- 
graphic appointment with the gentleman 
who is now entering the room.” 

“And so have I,” said Hanscombe. 

“And I also,” said Judson. 


40 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

As the others looked up, they saw a Mr. 
Henderson, of Chicago, with whom most 
of them were acquainted. Henderson, ap- 
proaching the table, said : 

“Good evening, Kransen,” looking at his 
watch. “I am, as you see, on time.” Then, 
turning to Dr. Hanscombe, he said : 

“I am much obliged to you, Dr. Hans- 
combe, for being on hand. I know you are 
a very busy man.” 

And then turning to the other gentlemen, 
he said: 

“As I am here by telegraphic appoint- 
ment with these gentlemen, I feel sure you 
will pardon me if I ask them to go upstairs 
with me, where we can have a private talk 
on business matters. Of course, Mr. Jud- 
son, you will also come, as you are also here 
by appointment, and I wish you to repre- 
sent me as my counsel.” 

As the gentlemen were leaving the room, 
Leavitt said: 


A NORTH POLAR DISCUSSION 


41 


“It looks as if Henderson had another 
idea.” 

“Then,” said one of the others, laughing, 
“it will probably prove interesting.” 


CHAPTER III 


THE MULTI-MILLIONAIRE 

G EORGE I. HENDERSON, of Chicago, 
had indeed another idea. It is far 
from our intention to suggest that novel 
ideas were unusual with him. On the con- 
trary, his brain was constantly evolving 
ideas, some of which were frequently so 
novel as at first to make his friends fear 
that constant application to business had 
resulted in the softening of his brain. But 
when these friends became better acquainted 
with Mr. Henderson, they found that so 
many of the ideas which at first appeared 
ridiculous in the extreme, developed so nat- 
urally, that it afterwards seemed a wonder 
they had never before been thought out, 
since when placed in proper form they 
42 


THE MULTI-MILLIONAIRE 


43 


seemed so natural that success appeared a 
matter of course. 

Henderson was one of those energetic, 
clear-headed individuals, who never went 
into an enterprise until he had studied it in 
all its bearings. In making this study he 
sought all available sources of knowledge, 
giving particular attention to the opinions 
of those who thoroughly disbelieved in the 
practicability of his plans. 

“I always like to hear what the other fel- 
low has to say,” he remarked. 

It was by reason of this careful study 
that Henderson rarely made mistakes. 

When Henderson’s mind was once made 
up it did not take him long to act. Indeed, 
this action was often so prompt, that his 
business rivals generally- knew nothing 
about a new enterprise until it was well un- 
der way. 

Henderson was a very rich man; one of 
the richest in a country that numbers its 


44 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


multi-millionaires by the hundreds. Just 
how much Henderson was worth was not 
known. He had been successful in stock 
operations, in mining enterprises, in rail- 
road combinations, in building schemes, 
and in the establishment of shipping and 
distribution routes generally. He was es- 
pecially interested in newspapers. If cur- 
rent rumors were true, he not only owned 
several of the largest newspapers in Chi- 
cago, but also controlled some of the largest 
papers in Philadelphia, New York and San 
Francisco. 

Many curious stories were told concern- 
ing Henderson’s methods of dealing with 
ideas or propositions, for the two words 
were identical to his mind. A gold mine in 
Nevada was once offered him for sale on a 
favorable report of a well known mining 
engineer. The mine appeared to be first- 
class ; there were, it was claimed, millions of 
tons of rich ore in sight. The standing of 


THE MULTI-MILLIONAIRE 


45 


the reporting mining engineer was favor- 
able; the man was intelligent, able and 
trustworthy. The vein was undoubtedly a 
true fissure vein, with well defined foot and 
hanging walls. Apparently reliable rec- 
ords were offered showing that the yearly 
receipts of the mine amounted to several 
millions of dollars. Moreover, there were 
many other successful mines in the neigh- 
borhood. 

But what bothered Henderson was, why 
the owners should be willing to part with so 
valuable a property. He was unwilling to 
accept the statement that they were only 
selling because of their inability to agree as 
to business methods. 

“Partners seldom quarrel with one an- 
other when they are making money,’ ’ he 
said: 

He, therefore, paid ten thousand dollars 
for a three months’ option on the mine and 
sent out another mining engineer to verify 


46 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

the report already submitted. But this re- 
port tallied with that already received. 
Still unsatisfied, Henderson sent detectives 
to shadow the owners of the mine, so as to 
ascertain if possible their real reasons for 
selling. In this way, Henderson discovered 
that the owners wished to sell so as to em- 
ploy the money for the purchase of addi- 
tional claims lying along the extension of 
their vein. They had discovered that at 
both ends on the sixth level of their mine the 
vein continued and contained large quanti- 
ties of an ore that assayed between three 
and four thousand dollars to the ton which 
information decided Henderson’s action. 

Convinced that the reports of the detec- 
tives were true, Henderson first purchased 
the adjacent properties, and then the prop- 
erties on which he had obtained an option. 
In this deal, Henderson is said to have ob- 
tained properties that yielded him a clear 
yearly profit of several millions of dollars, 


THE MULTI-MILLIONAIRE 


47 


with only a small portion of the properties 
developed. 

But the idea that caused Henderson to 
make an appointment with Kransen and 
Hanscombe was not connected with mining, 
but with his great newspapers. He was 
considering how he might be able to obtain 
for these papers exclusive news of such 
character as would interest the general pub- 
lic. 

On reaching one of the private rooms in 
the upper story of the clubhouse, Hender- 
son said to the servant who had shown them 
the way : 

“You may close the door. I will ring if 
I need you.” 

“Gentlemen, I must ask that what is said 
to-night be regarded as strictly confiden- 
tial.” He then sat down at one of the desks 
in the room and looked over some papers. 
Then, consulting his watch, he remarked : 

“I have an appointment with another 


48 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

gentleman who should be here soon.” He 
had hadly finished speaking when a knock 
was heard at the door, and a waiter opening 
it announced: 

“Capt. Silas Jones, of New Bedford, 
Mass.” 

The person thus introduced was an ac- 
tive, well built man, five feet ten inches in 
height, with blue eyes and light curly hair. 
As he entered the room, Henderson said. 

“I am glad to see you, Capt. Jones.” 
And then turning to the gentlemen said : 

“ Permit me to introduce to you Capt. 
Jones, an experienced Arctic voyager. He 
then added, “ But please sit down and let 
us get to business.” 

When all were seated, Henderson said: 

“I have arranged this meeting, gentle- 
men, for the purpose of discussing at some 
length, the practicability of an idea I have 
respecting my newspapers, in this city, in 
Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco and 


THE MULTI-MILLIONAIRE 


49 


elsewhere. What I want to know is 
whether or not it is possible to reach the 
north pole of the earth. If this can be 
done, and can be done under such circum- 
stances as would secure exclusive news for 
my papers, I am ready to meet in full the 
expenses of the expedition, or expeditions, 
if, as T think probable, a number will be 
necessary for this purpose.’ ’ 

There was an expression of surprise on 
the part of his hearers when Henderson 
made this statement for none had guessed 
the object of the meeting. Without, how- 
ever, paying any attention to their surprise, 
Henderson continued. 

“Capt. Jones, I know you have had con- 
siderable experience in Arctic explora- 
tions.” 

“Wall, I reckon I have been a consider- 
able number of times in the Arctic regions. 
I have been with many different explorers in 
this part of the world.” 


50 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“On sailing or steam vessels ?” inquired 
Henderson. 

“On both/’ was the reply. 

“Prof. Kransen, I am told that you have 
made a careful study of all the polar expedi- 
tions that have visited the regions inside 
the Arctic circle. Is this correct ?” 

“Yes, sir. I believe I am acquainted 
with practically all that has been done in 
this line.” 

“Well then, gentlemen, what I wish to 
know is this: Are there any reasons for 
the continued failures that have so far at- 
tended all attempts to reach the north pole ? 
Is it, in your judgment, impossible to do 
this, or can anything be done to render suc- 
cess not only a probability but even a cer- 
tainty? Kransen, let me have your opin- 
ion, please.” 

“Mr. Henderson,” replied the engineer, 
“I am convinced that it is quite possible 
to reach the earth’s north pole, but not, 


THE MULTI-MILLIONAIRE 51 

however, by any of the means so far em- 
ployed. Too many elements of chance en- 
ter into the old methods. Of course, I 
know that, with these methods, a time may 
come that the north pole may be reached, 
hut the chances against this happening are 
very great. I believe the north pole can be 
reached with certainty, provided the meth- 
ods employed are such as entirely to elimi- 
nate all chances. To this end every intelli- 
gent effort should be made, whenever possi- 
ble, to ascertain the directions of the ocean 
currents, tides, wind, etc., so as to be able to 
foretell the movements of the ice packs that 
constitute the principal barrier. 

“I would attempt at the outset to reach 
only such a point in the north as could be 
reached with fair certainty. At this point 
I would erect suitable houses in which to 
spend the approaching winter. The north 
point should, by all means, be reached be- 
fore the setting in of the long winter night. 


52 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


I would have these houses provided with 
well ventilated rooms, lighted with either 
electricity or acetylene gas. There has, so 
far, been too little thought expended on the 
hygiene of polar expeditions. It is impos- 
sible for men to maintain their health, 
either in badly ventilated rooms, or in 
rooms so poorly illumined that the amount 
of light is limited to that obtained from a 
single oil lamp or candle. 

In most of the whiter quarters of the 
early polar expeditions, when the air was 
permitted to enter for the purpose of ventil- 
ation, the moisture was precipitated in the 
form of a miniature snow storm. These 
rooms contained so much moisture that the 
blankets or sleeping bags became thorough- 
ly wet, freezing to the walls of the sleeping 
rooms, while the means for heating the air 
was so limited that the renewal of the air, 
by the admission of fresh air, was possible 
only a few times each day. Under such cir- 


THE MULTI-MILLIONAIRE 


53 


cumstances, it was, of course, impossible for 
health to be retained. Living in this man- 
ner, during the several months of the long 
winter night, necessarily resulted in a low 
condition of the system, and, indeed, in 
many cases, the death of the explorers. In- 
deed, I have thought that much of the 
dreaded scurvy, so common in these parts 
of the world, is greatly aggravated by un- 
hygienic conditions, although, of course, I 
know that its principal cause is improper 
food. What do you think of that, Doc- 
tor?’’ he said, turning to Hanscombe. 

“I have no doubt of it,” was the reply, 
“although the presence of poisonous pto- 
maines in the canned or dried or pickled 
meats is the direct cause of scurvy, yet I 
believe the condition of the patient has a 
great influence on the ability of the pto- 
maines to poison his system.” 

“It would not be difficult,” continued the 
engineer, “in accordance with my plan to 


54 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


ensure for such houses properly ventilated 
sleeping and living rooms, that are both 
electrically lighted and ventilated. The 
electric power could be furnished from the 
ship, provided the houses were erected near 
it, for I assume beyond a doubt that only a 
steam propelled vessel will be used for Arc- 
tic explorations. If the sleeping houses 
are located some distance from the ship, 
I would recommend the erection of a small 
electric plant forming a part of the houses. 
Of course, if the electric light is not em- 
ployed, then a sufficient supply of calcium 
carbide should be taken along, so that the 
houses could readily be lighted by acetylene 
gas. 

4 ‘The living stations, or houses, once 
erected, I would so arrange matters, that 
under no circumstances, could the expedi- 
tion be cut off from constant communica- 
tion with New York and Chicago.’ ’ 

“Now you are talking,” said Henderson, 


THE MULTI-MILLIONAIRE 


55 


excitedly. “Tell me how this can be done.” 

“Easily, my dear sir,” was the reply. 
“I would at once erect a wireless tele- 
graphic station from which signals could he 
sent not only to New York, Chicago and 
other cities, provided they are supplied 
with properly tuned apparatus, but even 
to other parts of the world. In this man- 
ner the explorer could be kept in constant 
touch with civilization. Besides this, I 
would so arrange matters that during this 
time, sledging parties could be sent out for 
the purpose of obtaining animal food as 
well as the location of stations still farther 
to the north. I would erect at these sub- 
stations, the same type of well constructed 
houses with properly ventilated, heated and 
lighted rooms. Moreover, I would equip 
all these sub-stations with wireless tele- 
graphic apparatus. 

“But what I regard as especially neces- 
sary would be the establishment at the last 


56 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


station, not only of captive balloons for the 
purpose of making observations, but espe- 
cially dirigible balloons, by means of which 
excursions could be made to regions still 
nearer to the pole, if, indeed, not to the 
pole itself. In this connection, I would re- 
mark that the recent discoveries concerning 
certain solid products of the electric fur- 
nace, render it possible readily to pro- 
duce large quantities of hydrogen gas by 
merely placing the substances in water. In 
this manner, the difficulties heretofore ex- 
isting arising from the leakage of gas from 
the best constructed balloons would be 
greatly, if not entirely, overcome. 

“In addition to the above, I would sug- 
gest the use of specially constructed auto- 
mobile cars operated by gasoline motors, 
so arranged as to be capable of moving over 
the ice. Such cars would be employed 
when the farthest northern station had been 
erected. By these, as well as in many other 


THE MULTI-MILLIONAIRE 


57 


ways, which I could afterwards explain.’ ’ 

“Dr. Hanscombe, what have you to say 
concerning the plans outlined by Prof. 
Kransen?” inquired Henderson. 

“ Kransen ’s plans, are in my opinion, 
wonderful in their simplicity now that they 
are stated so clearly. Working under such 
plans, I believe that success would not only 
be probable, but even certain. I am espe- 
cially pleased with the idea of erecting 
proper sanitary houses in which to spend 
the long winter nights. Should such an 
expedition be sent out, I will be only too 
glad to give Kransen many valuable points 
as regards medicines, and especially of the 
best method of both avoiding and treating 
those great scourges of the Arctic regions, 
scurvy and snow blindness.” 

“Capt. Jones,” inquired Henderson, 
“what is your opinion?” 

“Wall,” replied Capt. Jones, “I thought 
I was up to every dodge on Arctic voyages, 


58 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


but shiver my timbers, if the gent hasn’t 
gone far beyond anything I ever dreamed 
of. That is a slick idea of his, of building, 
at the winter headquarters, regular houses 
that are well lighted, heated and aired. 
When he has built these houses much of the 
time should be spent in laming the direc- 
tion of the wind, ocean currents, and tides. 
Then I like his idea of laying in a supply 
of meat and fish for the winter.” 

“Kransen,” inquired Henderson, “ would 
you be willing to take charge of such an 
expedition, if I put up the money*?” 

The question came so early in the meet- 
ing that Kransen was surprised, but under 
the excitement of the occasion, he said with- 
out hesitating: 

“Yes, I would like to be the first to reach 
the north pole, and I believe that with the 
plans I have outlined I can do it.” 

“Jones,” inquired Henderson, “will you 
take charge of the vessel, or vessels, that 


THE MULTI-MILLIONAIRE 


59 


will be necessary for this expedition? I 
will agree to pay you for this work twice 
the money you are now earning/ ’ 

“I will take the berth on your terms/’ 
said Jones. 

“Dr. Hanscombe,” said Kransen, “I will 
look to you for recommendations as to the 
proper medicines to take on such an ex- 
pedition. If I could persuade you to go 
with us I should be very happy. You are 
a hard working man and need a change of 
scene. If you will go I can certainly offer 
you such a change. You need not say any- 
thing yet, I only ask you to consider what 
a great advantage would accrue to the 
world from a successful expedition of this 
character, and whether you would not like 
to identify yourself with ’it.” 

“Perhaps I may go with you, Kransen,” 
said the Doctor, “at least as far as the first 
station.” 

“I am now convinced,” said Henderson, 


60 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

“that the finding of the north pole of the 
earth is even more than probable. I am, 
iherefore, ready to pay all the expenses of 
such an expedition. Judson, if you will 
take breakfast with me to-morrow at 9:30 
A. M. at the Waldorf-Astoria, I will ex- 
plain the general character of the papers 
I wish you to draw up. I suppose there 
will be no difficulty in your having them 
ready for me by 3 P. M. the same day.” 

“There will be no difficulty unless they 
are very long.” 

“No,” was the reply, “I do not think they 
wfill be any longer than three or four pages 
of legal cap.” 

“Then I can promise to have them ready 
by the time mentioned.” 

“Kransen,” continued Mr. Henderson, 
“as soon as the papers are signed, I will 
authorize you to draw on me for any sum 
of money between $1,000,000 and $1,500,- 
000 for the necessary expenses of the expe- 


THE MULTI-MILLIONAIRE 


61 


dition. Of course, you will present to my 
counsel Mr. Judson, the proper vouchers 
for all expenditures. I will leave all the de- 
tails of the expedition to you, as the leader 
of the expedition. I authorize you to take 
with you anyone you may wish. Before 
sailing, I wish you to explain to me more 
fully the plans you have formed. 

“Prof. Kransen and Capt. Jones, please 
meet me at the banking house of Morgan 
& Co., at 3:30 P. M. tomorrow to sign the 
papers. At the same time, I will make ar- 
rangements for Kransen ’s drawing on me 
for all necessary expenses. 

Henderson made his final arrangements 
so rapidly, that the different parties had 
scarcely time to express their astonishment 
at so great an enterprise having been deter- 
mined on in so shoi^t a time. But that Mr. 
Henderson was through the operation, at 
least through that part of it to which we 
have referred, was evident when he said: 


62 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“Good evening, gentlemen, I will look for 
you tomorrow as we have appointed/ ’ and 
then left the room. 


CHAPTER IY 


ANDREE KRANSEN 

W HEN all but Kransen and Hans- 
combe had left the room, the en- 
gineer said : 

“Hanscombe, I would like to have a quiet 
hour or so with you regarding this matter. 
Can you not come with me now to my house 
where we can be fairly private. There is 
much I want to talk about.” 

“Not just now, Kransen, there are several 
patients I must see to-night. But I will 
walk along with you for a few blocks.” 

“What a remarkable man Mr. Henderson 
is,” said the Doctor. “He appeared to 
grasp your ideas concerning the Arctic re- 
gions immediately. Is this the first time 
you have spoken to him about this matter.” 
63 


64 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“I have never given him the general 
plans outlined this evening, although I have 
been in correspondence with him for a short 
time concerning the chances of reaching the 
north pole.” 

“He is very liberal as regards the ex- 
penses. What do you suppose the entire 
cost will be?” 

“I cannot say exactly at present, but prob- 
ably something in the neighborhood of one 
million dollars. It is well, however, in such 
cases to have a reserve fund, since, as you 
well know, in matters of this kind there are 
always many unexpected expenditures that 
are apt to make the total much larger than 
originally contemplated.” He then added, 
“I wish you could go along with me, Doc- 
tor.” 

“I w T ould like to do so, Kransen. Like 
yourself, I have neither wife nor family to 
worry should I never return. As you know, 
I am a bachelor. None of my immediate 


ANDREE KRANSEN 


65 


relatives are now living, except my nephew 
Eric. The only other thing to he consid- 
ered is my practice, which, as yon know, is 
both large and valuable. Of course, I might 
leave it to my assistant, Dr. Biddle, to whom 
it will probably eventually pass when I re- 
tire. Biddle is an able man, and thoroughly 
competent to take charge if I were away. 
If, when your plans are more thoroughly 
matured, I find that the time I am likely to 
be away will not be greater than one year, I 
may go with you.” « 

“Hanscombe,” replied the engineer, “I 
can promise you now, that should you so de- 
sire, you can return to New York in one 
year from the time we leave.” 

“Then I will form one of your party. 
Your plans are admirable and seem to elim- 
inate all chances, and, moreover, you are 
backed up by practically an unlimited 
amount of money. I have very little doubt 
that you will reach the north pole, but I 

5 


66 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


must now leave you. My patient lives in 
the house across the street. Good night.’ ’ 

Kransen’s thoughts were complex as he 
walked home alone. 

“Well, I have certainly assumed a great 
responsibility. It is not only my own life, 
but also the lives of the entire expedition, 
that I am risking. The chances of success, 
however, are all favorable, so I believe I 
am justified in making the attempt. It is 
a splendid opportunity for testing my views. 
Should I succeed, I would not have lived 
in vain. My chances for success will cer- 
tainly be far greater than those of any of 
the explorers who have preceded me. With 
practically unlimited money at my disposal, 
I shall be able to avail myself of all the great 
discoveries hi physical science for almost 
annihilating time and distance. The possi- 
bilities of this opportunity fill me with joy.” 
Then suddenly a touch of sadness came over 
Jiim, and he asked himself this question: 


ANDREE KRANSEN 


67 


“But what shall I do with Andree 1 The 
poor lad will miss me greatly, and will be 
terribly lonely in this big city. How odd it 
is that he should at this time have spoken so 
joyfully as to the improbability of my leav- 
ing Hew York City during the next four or 
five years. I am glad he did so, however, 
as I certainly made it clear to him that I 
might at any time be obliged to leave this 
part of the world.* * 

The engineer, who had now reached his 
home, had hardly closed the door after him, 
when Andree came running down-stairs to 
meet him. 

“Good evening, Uncle,** said the boy. 

“Good evening, Andree. Up yeti** 

“Certainly, Uncle, why it is only 9:20 P. 
M., and then he added, “I felt I could not 
go to sleep until I saw you again,** and a 
troubled look came over his countenance. 

“That is true,** said the engineer, look- 
ing at his watch, and entirely ignoring for 


68 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


the time, the lad’s evident desire to inquire 
more particularly about the possibility of 
a separation. 

“I thought it was much later,” continued 
the engineer. “Come into my office and tell 
me what you have been doing to-day before 
you ran into me in the street!” 

They went into a suit of rooms constitu- 
ting the engineer’s offices. The first, or 
smaller, contained a few book-cases filled 
with works on physics and engineering. 
The second, or private office, had most of its 
wall space covered with well filled book- 
cases. In a rotating book-case near the side 
of a large writing desk were the fifty or sixty 
books of reference the engineer most fre- 
quently consulted. In addition to the book- 
cases, there was a variety of physical and 
electrical apparatus. 

As they sat down in the private office, 
Andree, seeing that his uncle for some rea- 
son did not want at present to speak of the 


ANDREE KRANSEN 


probabilities of bis leaving New York City, 
replied : 

“I spent the afternoon in the gymnasium, 
Uncle, where I had a splendid time wrestling 
with some of the boys after the physical in- 
structor had showed us some of the princi- 
pal catches. I say, Uncle, some of these 
catches are great. Afterwards, I had a 
swim in the pool. It was while coming 
home from the gymnasium that I ran into 
you in the street. I then came home to din- 
ner and have been reading in the library 
ever since, except,” he added, sadly, “when 
I was not thinking about what you said to 
me just before you went into the clubhouse.” 

The engineer again ignoring the latter 
part of Andree’s remarks but much im- 
pressed with the boy’s account, replied: 

“I’m glad to hear what you have been 
doing this afternoon with yourself. Always 
try to keep your body in the best possible 
physical condition. Remember that besides 


70 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


myself you are now the only one left in the 
Kransen family.” 

Again, recognizing that his uncle was not 
ready to talk about leaving New York City, 
the lad bravely concealed his feelings, and 
said: 

“Come up into the sitting-room, Uncle. I 
have been keeping up a splendid fire there 
for you.” 

When they reached the comfortable sit- 
ting-room on the second floor, the uncle said 
to his nephew: 

“What have you been reading, Andree? 
Tell me all about it, please.” 

Andree laughed and said : 

‘ 4 Try to guess, Uncle. I don ’t believe you 
will have any trouble in guessing right.” 

“Well, Andree,” was the reply, “If I 
should guess that it was about something 
very far from this bright fire, what would 
you say?” 

“I should say you were warm, Uncle.” 


ANDREE KRANSEN 


71 


“And if I should guess that it was about 
something that occurred at a place very far 
north of where we are, what would you 
say?”. 

“I should say, Uncle, that you are very 
hot.” 

“Well then, Andree, I guess that you 
were reading about adventures in the earth’s 
frozen north.” 

“Right, Uncle. You know I am very 
much interested in Arctic explorations. 
Ever since my relative Andree disappeared 
with his two companions and his balloon, I 
have taken a great interest in Arctic life. 
I sometimes feel that he may be still living. 
Naturally I try to find out the general char- 
acter of the region in which he disappeared. 

“I have been reading an account of Nan- 
sen’s wonderful voyage in the ‘Fram,’ car- 
ried, as she was, by the drift ice through so 
great a portion of the Arctic Ocean. From 
what I have read, I see that these regions 


72 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


would be extremely dangerous to an aero- 
naut if his balloon became disabled in them. 
I say, Uncle, what a bright man Nansen 
was. Listen how clearly he states the rea- 
sons that started him on this voyage.’ ’ 

“ ‘My plan is briefly as follows: I pro- 
pose to have a ship built as small and as 
strong as possible; just big enough to con- 
tain the supplies of coal and provisions for 
twelve men for five years. A ship of about 
170 tons (gross) will probably suffice. Its 
engines should be powerful enough to give 
it a speed of six knots, and in addition, it 
must be also fully rigged for sailing. 

“ ‘The main point in this vessel is that it 
shall be built on such principles as to enable 
it to withstand the pressure of the ice. The 
sides must slope sufficiently to prevent the 
ice, when it presses together, from taking 
firm hold of the hull, as was the case with 
the ‘Jeannette’ and other vessels. Instead 
of nipping the ship, the ice must raise it up 


ANDREE KRANSEN 


73 


out of the water. No other new departure 
in construction is likely to be needed, for the 
6 J eannette, ’ notwithstanding her prepos- 
terous build, was able to hold out against 
the ice pressure for about two years. That 
a vessel can easily be built on such lines as 
to fulfil these requirements, no one will ques- 
tion, who has seen a vessel hipped in the ice. 
For the same reason, too, the ship ought to 
be a very simple one, for besides being thus 
easier to manoeuvre in the ice, it will he 
more readily lifted by the pressure of the 
ice, not to mention that it will be easier to 
give it the requisite strength.’ ” 

“Of course, you have read how An dree 
was led to make his venturesome voyage,” 
said Kransen. 

“Yes, Uncle. It was by reason of articles 
from the poor 6 Jeannette.’ This vessel was 
stuck fast in the ice on September 6th, 1879, 
in lat. 71° 35' north, and long. 175° 61' east, 
southeast of Wrangel Land, and was after- 


74 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


ward carried by the drift ice in a northwest- 
erly direction for about two years to the 
New Siberian Islands in lat. 77 6 15' north 
and long. 154° 59' east, where she foundered 
on June 12th, 1881,” said Andree, referring 
to the book he was reading. 

“Now sometime afterwards, certain ar- 
ticles from the “Jeannette,’ were found on 
the southwestern coast of Greenland. It 
was Prof. Mohn, who first suggested that 
these articles had been carried from the 
‘Jeannette’ by means of floating ice that 
must have drifted across the polar sea. In- 
duced by these drifting articles, Nansen de- 
termined to build a ship, and entering the 
pack, permit the drift to carry him along 
with it, or to put it in Nansen’s own words : 

“ ‘Putting all this together, we seem 
driven to the conclusion that a current 
flows at some point between the pole and 
Franz Josef Land, from the Arctic Sea to 
the east coast of Greenland.’ ” 


ANDREE KRANSEN 


75 


“ Nansen never reached the pole, did he, 
Uncle V 9 

“No, his vessel, the ‘Fram,’ reached its 
highest northern point in October, 1895, in 
lat. 85° north, long 60° east, when the drift 
current began to carry the vessel towards 
the S. S. W/. As soon as Nansen found 
that the drift was beginning to carry him 
away from the pole, he left his men in the 
vessel, and, with a single companion, Lieu- 
tenant Johansen, determined to try to reach 
the pole on foot, carrying the necessary 
supplies on a sledge. He did not intend to 
try to return to the ‘Fram,’ which, of course, 
would continue drifting, but hoped after 
reaching the pole, should he succeed in 
doing so, to return on the ice with his com- 
panion by way of Franz Josef Land. 

“ Nansen did not reach the pole. His 
farthest point north was lat. 86° 14' north, 
on April 8th, 1894. As this distance had 
taken Nansen and his companion much 


76 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


longer than they had expected, they con- 
cluded that prudence would require them to 
turn hack. After almost incredible suffer- 
ing, they reached land on Cape Flora, 
Franz Josef Land, in 1894.” 

“Oh, Uncle, what a magnificent man Nan- 
sen was,” exclaimed Andree. 

“Yes, Andree, he was a brave man, but 
there have been many others equally brave,” 
while saying this, the expressive face of the 
engineer assumed the troubled look that the 
affection of the boy immediately noticed. 

“What is the matter, Uncle?” inquired 
Andree. “I think I know what it is. You 
fear, as you told me this afternoon, that you 
may be compelled to leave New York City 
for a long time. I have been thinking over 
what you said, and have been very unhappy, 
but don’t worry, Uncle, if you must leave 
me, I will try to be brave. Besides you will 
certainly come back soon, won’t you? So 
tell me, Uncle, what you are worried about.” 


ANDREE KRANSEN 


77 


“I will, my boy. I may as well tell you 
now as later. I am about to leave you, to 
place myself at the bead of an exploring ex- 
pedition which is to make an attempt to 
reach the earth’s north pole.” 

“Oh, Uncle, that will be splendid. Can I 
go with you?” 

“No, Andree, the dangers are too great.” 

“But, Uncle, the dangers will be no 
greater for me than for you. I know I am 
only a boy, but I am in splendid health, and 
am almost as strong as a man. My life in 
Sweden has fitted me to stand the greatest 
cold. Then my gymnasium work has done 
much to help me in such a trip. Besides, 
Uncle, if I do not go with you, what am I 
to do all alone in New York? Since the 
death of father and mother, you are the 
only relative I have in the world. Please 
let me go with you. Think how lonely I 
will be without you.” 

“I do not know what to say, Andree. 


78 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


Should you go and anything happen to you, 
I could never forgive myself. Were it not 
for that, I should like very much to have 
you go with me. What time is it, Andree ? ’ ’ 

“It is only ten o’clock, Uncle.” 

“Call up Dr. Hanscombe on his office 
phone for me.” 

“What is his telephone number, Uncle?” 

“There is the telephone book, my boy, I 
don’t remember his number.” 

“All right, Uncle,” looking in the book. 
“Here it is, Dr. Horatio Hanscombe, 3892 
Plaza.” He was soon connected with the 
doctor’s office, and he said to the person 
that answered the phone : 

“Please say to the doctor that Prof. Lars 
Kransen wishes to speak to him. Here he 
is, Uncle.” 

“Thank you, Andree,” taking the receiver 
and speaking to his friend : 

“Good evening, Doctor, this is Kransen. 
If you are not busy I would like to come to 


ANDREE KRANSEN 


79 


your office to talk over the Henderson mat- 
ter.’ ’ 

“ Certainly, Kransen, glad to have you do 
so. How soon shall I expect you"?” 

“I am speaking from my own house, and 
can be with you about 10:15.” 

“All right, I shall look for you.” 

“Andree,” said his uncle, “if you are not 
sleepy, I should like you to walk over to the 
doctor’s office with me. 

“ Sleepy! And you talking about going 
to the north pole. Oh, Uncle, please take 
me with you.” 

“We will see, Andree. It is partly for 
this reason that I wish you to go with me 
to the doctor’s. 

. “Let’s go at once.” 

During their walk to the doctor’s office, 
which was in the neighborhood, the engi- 
neer briefly described to Andree the plans 
he had made for the expedition to the boy’s 
perfect amazement. 


80 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


As soon as Andree understood them, he 
said excitedly : 

“Why, Uncle, there is no danger in go- 
ing with you at least as far as the first sta- 
tion, where the wireless telegraphic appara- 
tus is to be located, and where you say the 
party is to spend the first winter.” 

“No, Andree, there is certainly not much 
danger in that, but then there are your 
studies.” 

“Yes, I know, Uncle,” said the boy, “but 
with the plans you have made do you not 
think I could readily keep up my studies? 
Then think of my being so much with you, 
and with the other splendid men who will 
go along with you. I believe that I should 
gain rather than lose so far as my studies 
are concerned.” 

“There is much truth in what you say, 
Andree. We will see. However, before 
saying yes or no, I wish first to talk to the 
doctor about this matter.” 


CHAPTER Y 


ERIC HANSCOMBE 

W HEN Andree and the engineer 
reached Dr. Hanscombe’s office, the 
door was almost immediately opened by a 
young boy. 

“Good evening, Eric,” said the engineer. 
“Good evening, Prof. Kransen,” said the 
boy. “The doctor is expecting you. I was 
with him in his office, and he asked me to 
go to the door and bring you directly to 
him.” 

“Good evening, Kid,” said Andree, whis- 
pering in the boy’s ear. 

“Good evening, Andree,” said the boy 
aloud, and then in his turn whispering in 
Andree ’s ear, he added: “Wait until I get 
6 81 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


you alone and then call me kid again if you 
dare.” 

The boys then entered the doctor’s office 
with the engineer. 

“I am glad to see you, Kransen; how are 
you, Andree ? What a big boy you are get- 
ting to be, Andree,” said the doctor looking 
at him. 

“ Thank you, Doctor,” said Andree, laugh- 
ing, “be kind enough to remember that, 
should my uncle ask you any questions con- 
cerning me.” 

“All right, Andree,” said the doctor, “if 
I do not, please remind me of it.” 

“Eric,” said the doctor, turning to the 
other boy, “Prof. Kransen wishes to speak 
privately with me. Take Andree up stairs 
to your room and entertain him. When I 
ring the bell in your room, come down at 
once with Andree, as I wish to speak to 
both of you for a while.” 

“All right, Uncle, I’ll entertain him,” 


ERIC HANSCOMBE 


83 


said Eric. “Come, An dree,’ ’ he added, and 
the two boys went up to the third floor of 
the house, and entered Eric’s room. 

Eric Hanscombe, like Andree, was an or- 
phan. His mother died while he was so 
young that he could not remember her. He 
had lived with his father on a large ranch 
in the west. This, however, did not put 
Eric back in his studies, for his father care- 
fully looked after the education of his boy. 
The greatest part of Eric’s time, however, 
was spent with the cowboys on the ranch, 
who became very much attached to the lad, 
so that even when very young, he was able 
to keep his seat on a horse, no matter how 
hard the animal might try to throw him. 

The cowboys also gave him useful in- 
structions in the use of both the pistol and 
rifle. Indeed, there was no better shot on 
the ranch than young Eric. With all this, 
however, his father, who was a polished 
gentleman, reared the lad carefully, every 


84 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


now and then taking him to St. Louis, New 
York, Philadelphia, and other large cities, 
so as thoroughly to familiarize him with the 
best society in the country. Eric was a 
great favorite on the ranch. The cowboys 
were ready to do almost anything for him 
in reason, and all tried to impart to the boy 
their own accomplishments. 

It, therefore, happened that while Eric 
lived a wild life on the ranch, he was far 
from being an uncultured western lad. 
When he came to New York City on the sud- 
den death of his father a year before, and 
came to live in Dr. Hanscombe’s house, the 
culture of the house and city was not 
strange to him. 

Eric fairly carried his uncle’s heart by 
storm, but it was no wonder that he did so. 
He was an exceedingly handsome lad, 
slightly built, but in such good condition 
that he was much stronger than many boys 
of a larger build. He was full of life and 


ERIC HANSCOMBE 


85 


activity, and fairly bubbled over with merri- 
ment. It was impossible for one to be 
gloomy in his presence, so that his coming 
into the doctor’s heretofore lonely house 
was like letting in a flood of sunshine that 
wonderfully brightened everything. It is 
not surprising, therefore, that the uncle 
grew very fond of the boy, while the boy on 
his part, readily gave to his uncle the love he 
formerly lavished on his parents. 

It would not require more than a single 
look, for any one entering Eric’s room to 
understand the type of boy, who occupied 
it, or to fail to see that his uncle spent 
money freely to give the boy surroundings 
suited to his tastes; for, occupying promi- 
nent places in the room were boxing gloves, 
fencing foils, Indian clubs, and several fish- 
ing rods, while on a gun rack, there were a 
number of pistols, rifles, and shot guns. 

As soon as Eric and Andree, relieved from 
the restraint of their elders, had entered the 


86 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


room, Eric shut the door, and said in a 
laughing voice to Andree: 

“Now look out for yourself,” and plac- 
ing himself in a boxing attitude, gave An- 
dree a good natured blow with his left hand 
and followed this with a series of blows that 
greatly astonished his friend. Then he 
suddenly rushed at him and, tripping him to 
the floor, sat down on him and then called 
out in a laughing tone: 

“I’m a kid, am I? Hereafter learn to 
pay proper respect to your superiors.” 

Andree laughed, and, with the greatest 
good humor quietly raising himself, caught 
Eric around the waist, and then rising, and 
holding him like a baby, commenced rocking 
him, singing the cradle song, ‘Rock-a-bye- 
baby, on the tree-top, etc.” 

Eric, who was much smaller than Andree, 
struggled vainly for a few moments to free 
himself. Then suddenly taking advantage 
of Andree, who did not know just what he 


ERIC HANSCOMBE 


87 


had to deal with, he slipped around the big- 
ger boy, and, placing a knee against his 
spine, succeeded in again throwing him on 
the floor. 

“ Hollo,’ * said Andree, “what have I 
struck, anyhow? I guess I will have to 
take back having called you a kid, but I am 
surprised,” he said in a laughing tone, 
“that the doctor would let a little boy like 
you have such dangerous things in his 
room,” he said, pointing to the pistols and 
rifles. “Will those guns really shoot, or 
are they only dummies.” 

Eric laughed and said : 

“Come and see;” and, opening a side 
door leading into an entry, said: 

“Uncle has fitted this entry for me for a 
shooting gallery. This is an old house with 
double walls that are practically sound- 
proof. Shut the door and I will show you 
whether this pistol will shoot or not,” tak- 
ing one from the gun rack. Then, going 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


into the entry and touching an electric but- 
ton, lighted an electric lamp, showing a tar- 
get at the lower end of the entry. Taking 
aim, he said: 

“I will land all the shots around the edge 
of the bull’s-eye,” and then, without appar- 
ently taking close aim, rapidly shot off the 
pistol, and said to Andree: “Now go look 
whether the gun will shoot or not. ’ 9 

When Andree went to examine the target, 
he was surprised that the bullets had 
landed, as Eric said they would, around the 
edge of the bull’s-eye. 

“Why, Eric,” he said, “you’re a won- 
der.” 

“Oh, that’s nothing,” said the lad, smil- 
ing. “I can show you much better things 
with the rifle, but Uncle Horace does not 
like me to use a rifle here.” 

“Eric,” said Andree, “I have been to the 
gymnasium to-day, and have learned a 
number of new catches in wrestling. Some 



“ I’m a kid, am I ! ” 




ERIC HANSCOMBE 


89 


of these are splendid, and if you wish I will 
show you some.” 

“All right,” said Eric, who at once 
pushed the furniture to the walls so as to 
make plenty of wrestling room. 

The boys then took off their coats and 
vests and were soon puffing and blowing in 
their struggles. Andree was again sur- 
prised at Eric’s strength; it seemed impos- 
sible for a lad so much younger, for he was 
only about fifteen, and much lighter in 
weight than Andree, to out-match him, but 
this he did, for again and again the lighter 
boy succeeded in making the heavier boy’s 
shoulders touch the floor. Every time he 
did, he remarked in a laughing tone : 

“I’m a kid, am I?” 

“No,” said Andree, “I was wrong, I 
should have called you a goat.” 

“But there is the bell. Come, let’s go 
down to the office,” and they hastily assumed 
coats, vests and good manners. 


90 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


As the boys were going down the stairs, 
Andree said : 

“ Unless I am greatly mistaken, Eric, you 
will hear something down stairs that will 
surprise you.” 

“Is that so,” said Eric, “then let’s hurry 
down, and be surprised.” 

When the lads entered the office it was 
easy to see, by their serious manner, that 
both gentlemen had been engaged in very 
earnest conversation. 

“ Andree,” said the engineer, “I have 
just put this question to Dr. Hanscombe: 
Would I be justified in taking you with me 
on the expedition to the north pole?” 

“Oh, Doctor,” said Andree, greatly ex- 
cited, “I hope you will not forget what you 
said when I first came into the office this 
evening. ’ 9 

“Come here, Andree,” said the doctor, 
laughing, “and let me look you over. Let 
me feel your pulse. Take off your coat and 


ERIC HANSCOMBE 


91 


vest; I will examine you with a stetho- 
scope.’ ’ 

The doctor placed the instrument over 
Andree ’s heart and after listening for a 
while said: 

“I see you have been taking some severe 
exercise lately, have you not?” 

“Yes, sir,” said Andree, “Eric and I 
have been wrestling.” 

“Prof. Kransen,” said the doctor to the 
engineer, “it is unnecessary for me to 
make any further examination. The lad is 
in splendid physical condition. I see no 
reason why he should not go with you to the 
north pole. At least so far as his physical 
condition is concerned.” 

“Oh, Uncle,” said Andree, “then I can go 
with you, can’t I?” 

“Yes, Andree, you can go with me.” 

“Prof. Kransen,” said the doctor, “you 
are doubtless well acquainted with my pe- 
culiar notions concerning boys. I like to 


92 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


see boys brought up so that they shall be 
manly. I see no reason, whatever, why so 
healthy a boy as Andree should not go with 
you on your expedition. Of course, I am 
speaking only from a physiological stand- 
point. It is for you to determine whether 
such a trip would interfere with the lad’s 
studies. Besides,” he said, “since I am go- 
ing with you, I should like to have Andree 
along with us.” 

On hearing this remark, Eric’s eyes grad- 
ually opened wider and wider, at last he 
cried out : 

“Are you going too, Uncle?” 

“Yes, Eric, I have promised Prof. Kran- 
sen that I would spend a year with him, and 
will go with him as far as the first station.” 

“Oh, Uncle, can / go? I would so like to 
go with Andree. It will keep him from be- 
coming lonely. Besides, what am I going 
to do without you for a whole year?” 

“That is for Prof. Kransen to deter- 


ERIC HANSCOMBE 


93 


mine,” said the doctor. “If lie has no ob- 
jections, I see no reason why you, too, should 
not go with us.” 

Eric at once jumped up and went over to 
where Prof. Kransen was sitting and look- 
ing him straight in the face said: 

“Prof. Kransen, if you let me go with 
you, I will truly try to act so that you will 
never regret it.” 

“Uncle Kransen, please let Eric go. We 
will be such company for each other.” 

“That’s just it,” said the engineer, “I 
wish a companion for Andree, and from 
what I have already seen of you,” turning 
to Eric, “there are none among Andree ’s 
boy friends that I would prefer to you, as 
his companion. I am afraid, however, that 
neither of you appreciates the great priva- 
tions and dangers you must encounter, but 
if you are willing to meet them, I do not 
believe that any great harm will come to 
you. On the contrary, I believe that they 


94 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

will prove of great advantage to both of 
you. 

“Now, boys, you had better leave us alone 
for a while, we want to talk this matter 
over.” 

“Uncle,” said Eric, “will you please let 
Andree stay over night with me ? There is 
plenty of room in my bed and we shall want 
to talk it all over.” 

“Certainly, Eric. Kransen, I suppose 
you have no objections.” 

“None at all,” said the engineer. 

“Well, then, Uncle, good night,” said 
Eric, going up to his uncle and kissing him. 

He then very pleasantly surprised the 
engineer by throwing his arms around him 
and kissing him, saying : 

“You don’t know how much obliged I am 
to you for letting me go along with 
Andree.” 

When the two boys again entered Eric’s 
bed room, they shut the door, and looking 


ERIC HANSCOMBE 


95 


at each other, began to dance madly about 
the room. 

“ Isn’t it great, Eric*?” said Andree. 
4 ‘Think of it, we are going with our uncles 
to look for the north pole !” 

“Yes,” said Eric, “and we are going 
there with each other. We shall have no 
end of good times.” 

“We will shoot bears and walruses,” said 
Andree. 

“And see icebergs, and the northern 
light, and other curious things. I say, 
Andree,” continued Eric, “it is very cold 
in the north, isn’t it?” 

“Very,” said Andree, “so cold that they 
cannot use mercurial thermometers since 
the mercury freezes.” 

“Gracious,” said Eric, “but then we can 
wrap ourselves up warm.” 

“Oh, yes,” said Andree, “we will have 
clothes that are made from furs and other 
warm goods. Say, Eric,” he continued, 


96 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“have you ever heard of a sleeping bag?” 

“A sleeping bag, what is that?” 

“It’s the way they fix the bedding, in or- 
der to keep themselves warm. They put 
the covers in the form of a bag that is open 
only at the ends, then several people get into 
the bag together, so as to keep themselves 
warm. ’ ’ 

“Several,” inquired Eric in surprise, 
“you don’t mean more than two, do you?” 

“Yes, they have what are called two-men, 
six-men, and eight-men sleeping bags. 
Where the number of men is greater than 
two, the bags are open at both ends, the men 
get into the bag at each end, so that the 
feet of one set of men come near the heads 
of the other set.” 

“I wouldn’t like the six or eight-men 
idea,” said Eric, decidedly, “Two-men 
sleeping bags for me.” 

“You mean the two-kid sleeping bag,” 
said Andree laughing. 


ERIC HANSCOMBE 


97 


“ That’s just it,” said Eric. “One bag 
for both you and me. I say,” he continued 
to Andree, “let’s make up our bed clothes 
in the form of a two-men sleeping bag.” 

“All right,” said Andree. 

Eric’s bed was only a three-quarter bed, 
so that by tightly tucking in the clothes both 
at the top and sides and then undressing 
and creeping in at the top, they had what 
they called the two-men sleeping bag. Be- 
fore going to bed, Eric threw the windows 
of the room wide open, and crept in along- 
side of Andree. The boys talked about 
Arctic explorations until they fell into a 
deep sleep from which neither awoke until 
the ringing of the breakfast bell the next 
morning. 


7 


CHAPTER VI 


ANDREE AND ERIC 

T HAT morning, as the boys were dress- 
ing for breakfast; Andree observed 
in a corner of Eric’s room a small shelf 
filled with books on natural philosophy. 

“ Hello, Eric,” he cried, “are you inter- 
ested in natural philosophy?” 

“Yes, Andree,” he replied, “very much, 
especially in electricity. Uncle Horace, 
who is well up on the subject, helps me con- 
siderably, but he is so busy with his pa- 
tients, that I dislike to go to him very 
often.” 

While at breakfast, Dr. Hanscombe gave 
Andree an invitation that greatly pleased 
him. 

“Andree,” he said, “now it has been de- 

98 


ANDREE AND ERIC 


99 


termined that you and Eric are to go with 
Prof. Kransen on his polar expedition, I 
wish you to be together as much as possi- 
ble. I, therefore, want you to feel at lib- 
erty to take meals with us whenever you 
are so disposed. There will always be a 
plate placed for you at the table. Our din- 
ner hour is 6:30 P. M. After dinner I 
think you and Eric will have no difficulty 
in amusing yourselves. If you are fond of 
reading scientific books you will find plenty 
of them in my library, and can also stay 
over night whenever you wish.” 

Andree thanked Dr. Hanscombe for the 
invitation, and* said he hoped that he and 
Eric would see much of each other. Then 
turning to Eric, with a boy’s hearty manner, 
he said : 

“Eric, can you stop around at our house 
this afternoon, as soon as you get your 
school work done for to-morrow. Come 
prepared to take dinner with us and stay 


Lof c. 


100 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


over night. You do not object, do yon?” 
turning to the doctor. 

“Not at all, if the professor is willing.” 
“Then,” said Andree, “it will be ^11 right, 
for I am sure Uncle Lars will not object.” 

There was a difference of about one and 
a half years in the ages of the boys, Brie 
being the younger and much smaller than 
Andree. Notwithstanding his life on the 
ranch, Eric was nearly as far advanced as 
Andree in his studies, having had the ad- 
vantage of his father’s teaching. * 

Eric inherited from his father inventive 
abilities of a very high order. His life on 
the ranch had taught him to interpret phys- 
ical phenomena very readily. In this re- 
spect he was greatly superior to Andree, 
and, indeed, in most respects was Andree ’s 
intellectual superior. Eric had inherited a 
taste for natural philosophy, and was well 
posted in this science. Hr. Hanscombe, who 
was also well versed in physics, especially as 


ANDREE AND ERIC 


101 


applied to the great art of curing, encour- 
aged his nephew in these studies, giving him 
such instructions as the calls of an extended 
practice permitted. This was generally in 
the evening, after office hours, when there 
were no special calls to take him out of the 
house. It was by reason of his fondness 
for natural science, that the Doctor had 
placed Eric at a school where he was thor- 
oughly grounded in the principles of ap- 
plied physics. 

Eric arrived at Andree’s house that 
afternoon between five and six o’clock. 
The boys spent a pleasant time talking 
about the approaching trip until the bell 
rang for dinner. When they entered the 
dining room, they were pleasantly surprised 
to find Dr. Hanscombe seated at the table. 
As Eric was aware, it was unusual for the 
doctor to take dinner away from home. 

“I’m very glad to see you, Eric,” said 
the engineer, “I 'hope that this is but the 


102 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

beginning of what yon will very often do. 
I especially wish that you will feel at lib- 
erty to come to the house without being 
asked, and to stay over night with Andree, 
whenever both of you feel so disposed.’ ’ 

44 Thank you, Prof. Kransen,” said Eric. 

“Uncle Lars,” said Andree, “I have not 
yet told you that Dr. Hanscombe has ex- 
tended to me an invitation to take meals at 
his house and stay over night with Eric, ex- 
actly similar to the one you have given to 
Eric.” 

The two men looked at each other and 
smiled : 

4 4 Then,” said Prof. Kransen to Dr. 
Hanscombe, 44 I am glad to know that we 
are so agreed on this matter.” 

After dinner, they went into the library, 
where they spent a pleasant half hour, talk- 
ing, when the doctor left in order to attend 
to his office practice. As he was leaving, 
Eric said: 


ANDREE AND ERIC 


103 


“ Uncle Horace, Andree has asked me to 
spend the evening with him. If yon don’t 
object, I will do so, and will, therefore, not 
see yon until to-morrow after school.” 

“All right, Eric,” said his nncle. “Yon 
can always let me know by phone where yon 
are.” 

Prof. Kransen spent an hour with the 
boys in the library, talking to them in a 
very interesting manner, as to the general 
plans for the expedition, as well as giving 
them some ideas of the peculiarities of the 
Arctic climate. 

Eric enjoyed this conversation im- 
mensely. The engineer made him feel 
completely at home, so that the lad, who 
was unusually intelligent, was soon busy in 
asking the engineer to explain some of the 
difficulties he had encountered in his read- 
ings on natural sciences. Eric had already 
felt strongly drawn towards the professor, 
but when he discovered how great the pro- 


104 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


. fessor’s knowledge in natural philosophy 
was, this liking became more pronounced, 
and in his boyish way he made no effort to 
conceal the admiration he had for his new 
friend. As for the engineer, he was also 
greatly drawn towards the lad, and was es- 
pecially pleased to secure so pleasant a com- 
panion for Andree, during the time when 
he knew the boys would be dependent on 
each other for companionship. After a 
pleasant hour’s talk he said: 

“I must say good night, now, boys. I 
have an engagement that will keep me out 
until late. I shall expect to see you in the 
morning at the breakfast table, Eric,” he 
said. “Good night, Andree. Good night, 
Eric.” 

“Good night, Uncle Lars,” said the boy. 

After the engineer left, the boys re- 
mained in the library for half an hour talk- 
ing about what they had just learned, when 
Andree said: 


ANDREE AND ERIC 


105 


“Come up to my room, Eric, I have some- 
thing to show you, before we turn in for the 
night.” 

Andree ’s room, like Eric’s, was in the 
third story. It was a large room situated 
in the front of the house. It was comfort- 
ably furnished and provided with a large 
double bedstead in one of the corners. On 
entering the room, Eric’s attention was at 
once attracted to a shelf of books placed 
near the writing desk, near one of the win- 
dows. On reading the names of the books, 
he found that they all related to the subject 
of chemistry. 

“Hello, Andree,” he cried, “so chem- 
istry is your hobby, is it"?” 

“Yes,” said Andree laughing, “but come 
here, Eric,” and going into the entry that 
led to his room, he took Eric into a large 
room next his bed room that was fitted up 
as a chemical laboratory. There were 
shelves on two sides of the room containing 


106 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


numerous bottles filled with different chem- 
icals, while on a table, extending the length 
of the room, were various gas taps and 
water taps, together with a pneumatic 
trough. On the separate table near one of 
the corners was a chemical balance. In 
other words, the room contained all that was 
necessary for a first class chemical labora- 
tory. 

“Phew,” exclaimed Eric, “this is great, 
but I say, Andree, this is not yours, it is the 
professor’s.” 

“You are right, Eric,” answered Andree, 
“but Uncle Lars permits me to experiment 
as much as I like, but you have not seen all. 
Come here,” he said, leading Eric through 
a door opening from the chemical labora- 
tory, towards the back of the house. Pass- 
ing through this door, Eric came into a large 
room lighted from one of the sides, as well 
as by means of a large bay window at the 
far end. 


ANDREE AND ERIC 


107 


“This is Uncle Lars’ physical laboratory. 
I know you will like it. ’ ’ 

“Oh, how splendid,” cried Eric, for it 
was certainly a room that was calculated to 
please him greatly. It contained a great 
variety of physical apparatus, such as fric- 
tional and electro-static induction machines, 
air pumps, balances, and a great variety of 
electrical apparatus, such as galvanometers, 
voltmeters, electric motors, a huge electro- 
magnet, Ruhmkorff coils, incandescent and 
arc lamps, etc., etc. 

In the far corner of the room was a large 
card on which the word DANGER was* 
printed. 

“That,” said Andree, “is what uncle calls 
the ‘ death corner.’ He permits me to go to 
any part of the room except inside that 
white paint mark which he has traced on 
the floor. 

“In this corner,” Andree continued, 
“the wires enter that bring in the high- 


108 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


pressure alternating electric currents that 
Uncle Lars employs in connection with a 
machine he calls a step-down transformer. 
It is by means of this device that he obtains 
the powerful electric currents he employs 
in his electric furnaces, for uncle is making 
experiments on the formation of chemical 
compounds that are capable when thrown 
on water of liberating large quantities of hy- 
drogen gas. He is conducting these experi- 
ments for the purpose of readily filling bal- 
loons.’ ’ 

“Andree,” inquired . Eric in an excited 
• tone, “does the professor let you see any 
of the other apparatus?” 

“Yes,” said Andree, “I can use any of 
the apparatus except that in the death cor- 
ner.” 

“Then,” said Eric, “what great times we 
shall have here together. In this room I 
shall have such a splendid chance for learn- 
ing practical physics. I say, what a mag- 


ANDREE AND ERIC 


109 


nificent man your uncle, the professor is. 
Don’t he know a lot about physics?” 

“Yes,” said Andree much pleased, “they 
tell me at the school to which I go, that 
Uncle Kransen has no equal in certain 
branches of applied physics.” 

“I see, Andree,” continued Eric, “you 
are taking up especially the study of chem- 
istry.” 

“Yes,” said Andree. “Uncle Lars wishes 
me to post myself in this branch because he 
says everything seems to show that during 
my life time there will be very great discov- 
eries made in electro-chemistry, a subject 
of which he is one of the highest authorities 
in the country.” 

The boys spent so much time in looking 
through the two laboratories, the physical 
laboratory with its different electrical ap- 
pliances especially interesting Eric, that it 
was near twelve o’clock before they got to 
bed. Once there, however, it did not take 


110 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


long before they fell into a deep sleep that 
always attends healthy, vigorous youth. 

At the suggestion of Prof. Kransen, the 
boys during February and March attended 
on one evening in each week, a course of 
experimental lectures on applied physics. 

Prof. Kransen permitted Eric to use the 
physical apparatus in his laboratory with, 
of course, certain necessary restrictions. 
But what especially pleased Eric was, that 
Prof. Kransen constituted him his assistant 
in many of his researches. In this manner, 
Eric markedly increased his knowledge of 
his favorite study. 

But it was not only in the line of their es- 
pecial studies that the boys were brought 
together. Both boys were for their age ex- 
pert gymnasts; Andree being very fond of 
swimming, and Eric was unusually skilled 
in wrestling as well as in the use of the re- 
volver and rifle. Andree, however, knew 
very little about the use of fire-arms, while 


ANDREE AND ERIC 111 

Eric, probably owing to the fact that be bad 
been brought up on a ranch, was unable to 
swim. On the first day when Andree took 
Eric to his gymnasium, he said after the 
exercise : 

“Now, Eric, let us take a good swim in 
the pool.” 

“I would,” said Eric, laughing, “only I 
don’t know how to swim.” 

“What,” said Andree, “a boy who is up 
in almost every other thing in gymnastics 
can ’t swim ? A boy who is going on an Arc- 
tic expedition to the north pole can’t swim! 
Let me teach you. I’m sure I can.” 

“Agreed,” said Eric, “provided you let 
me teach you how to shoot.” 

The agreement was soon made, with the 
result that both the swimming pool, as well 
as the shooting gallery and the rifle range, 
were frequented by both the boys. Under 
these circumstances, by repeated and inter- 
ested practice on the part of both, Eric soon 


112 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


became an expert swimmer, and Andree a 
fairly good shot. 

In the meanwhile, the engineer was busy 
in getting things ready for the great expe- 
dition; in obtaining the proper ship, pur- 
chasing the necessary supplies of food, 
clothing, fuel, etc. ; but especially in getting 
together the scientific apparatus he intended 
to employ while on the expedition. The se- 
lection of the crew and the fitting out of the 
rigging of the ship was left to Capt. Jones. 
In the meanwhile, Dr. Hanscombe was busy 
in so arranging matters that he might leave 
his practice during his absence in the hands 
of his assistant, Dr. Biddle. 

Eric and Andree were very fond of bi- 
cycling. Both had excellent wheels and 
were expert at long distance riding and 
trick work. One afternoon in the spring, 
while they were on their way home, on one 
of the roads extending along the Hudson 
River, they came across a large automobile 


ANDREE AND ERIC 


113 


containing a gentleman and his chauffeur. 
They had apparently met with an accident. 
Something had happened to the machine, the 
nature of which neither could discover; do 
what they would, the machine would not 
start. Since both boys were well up on au- 
tomobiles, especially of the type of this par- 
ticular one, they stopped their bicycles and 
got off, Eric saying to Andree: 

“Let us see if we can help the gentleman. 
I have recently been studying this particu- 
lar form of automobile with your uncle, 
I think I can help him.” 

So they went up to the gentleman and of- 
fered him their services. 

“Thank you, boys,” said the gentleman, 
“we have broken some part of the appa- 
ratus, and neither of us has been able to fix 
it. If you know of any repairer in the 
neighborhood, and will go for one on your 
bicycles and bring him here, I shall be much 
obliged. I have an important appointment 


114 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


in the city this afternoon, so that being de- 
layed will be a great inconvenience to me.” 

“ Perhaps, sir,” said Eric politely, “I may 
be able to fix the machine myself. I know 
something about the automobile you are 
using.” 

It will be remembered that Eric was quite 
small for his age. Indeed, he looked so lit- 
tle that both the gentleman and the chauffeur 
had difficulty in keeping from laughing. 
The gentleman, however, at once said : 

“All right, my lad, if you can help us I 
shall be much obliged.” 

The boys immediately made a careful ex- 
amination of the machine. In a few mo- 
ments, Eric discovered that the entire trou- 
ble came from the failure of the electric 
apparatus to ignite the mixture of gasoline, 
vapor and air, and in five minutes had the 
machine ready for use. 

Seeing that the boys were evidently well- 
to-do boys, the gentleman merely thanked 


ANDREE AND ERIC 


115 


them for their services without offering 
them any money, saying : 

“I hope sometime, boys, that I may be 
able to do something for you in return. ” 

When the boys reached Prof. Kransen’s 
house, they were surprised to see the same 
automobile standing at the door. When they 
had placed their bicycles in the yard, the 
engineer called them into his office and in- 
troduced them to the gentleman that they 
had met in the automobile. 

“Mr. Henderson,’ ’ said the engineer, “let 
me introduce to you my nephew, Andree 
Kransen, and to his intimate friend, Eric 
Hanscombe.” 

“Hello, boys,” said Mr. Henderson, “I 
did not expect to meet you again so soon,” 
and then turning to the engineer told him 
of the aid the boys had given him, especially 
Eric, in fixing the automobile which neither 
he nor his chauffeur could do. 

“These, Mr. Henderson,” said the en- 


116 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


gineer, “are the two boys I expect to take 
with me on the Arctic expedition. ” 

“I am glad to hear it/’ said Mr. Hender- 
son. “They are bright lads, and, though 
young, I am sure will be of help to you in 
your work.” 


CHAPTER YII 


THE SAILING OF THE HENDERSON-KRANSEN 
NORTH POLAR EXPEDITION. 


LTHOUGH everything that hard 



X JL work, business foresight, and a lib- 
eral expenditure of money could do, was 
done to hasten the preparations of the 
Henderson-Kransen North Polar Expedi- 
tion, it was not until the 12th of May, 1904, 
fully one year after the events recorded in 
the first chapter, that the vessel was ready 
to leave her dock in New York City to start 
on her distant voyage. 

Much thought and consideration had been 
given by Prof. Kransen, and extended con- 
sultations, not only with Capt. Jones, Dr. 
Hanscombe, and others in the United 
States, but also with a number of Arctic ex- 


117 


118 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


plorers in Europe, as regards the type of 
vessel to be employed. In addition, the en- 
gineer availed himself of the many books 
and records of previous expeditions. As a 
result of this work, it was determined to 
construct the vessel of wood instead of steel. 

Since the engineer found it impossible to 
obtain a wooden vessel of the type he de- 
sired, it was determined to start in at once 
to build one. Special attention was given to 
its design so as to obtain an outline best 
suited for forcing a way through the ice 
pack. To this end, the vessel was designed 
with an overhanging, very rigid and stif- 
fened bow. The keel at the fore end was so 
greatly increased in thickness that it 
formed an enormous mass of solid wood 
constituting the stem. Since no single 
tree could be obtained capable of furnish- 
ing a stem of the required dimensions, a 
number of separate pieces of wood were 
closely scarfed together, and secured by 


SAILING OF THE EXPEDITION 


119 


means of long bolts. In order to provide a 
sheathing to protect the vessel against ice 
masses, when ramming its way through a 
pack or floe, both stem and bow were pro- 
vided with a covering of strong steel plates 
for three or four feet on either side. This 
construction resulted in the bow of the ves- 
sel overhanging, so that, when rammed 
against the ice sheet, the vessel glided up- 
wards until the bow was raised several feet, 
thus permitting the weight of the vessel, 
acting vertically downwards, to break or 
crack the ice, when, moving forward, it 
came to another ice obstruction which it 
again crushed by its weight. 

Another peculiarity of construction was 
in the stern, with its rudder and screw. 
The stern of an Arctic vessel generally 
forms its weakest part. Indeed, Arctic ves- 
sels are so apt to be disabled at their stern, 
that this part has not inaptly been styled by 
Nansen, “the heel of Achilles.” 


120 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


To those familiar with the construction 
of wooden vessels especially designed for 
service in the Polar regions, it will be evi- 
dent from the peculiar construction of the 
bow and stern, that the vessel had been de- 
signed after the general pattern of the well- 
known vessel called the 4 4 Discovery ,’ ’ a 
ship built for the Markham Antarctic Ex- 
pedition, that left London, July 1st, 1901, 
under the command of Capt. R. F. Scott, of 
the English Royal Navy. 

Prof. Kransen was fortunate in obtaining 
full detailed drawings of the “Discovery” 
as it was constructed by the Dundee Ship 
Building Company, in a small shipyard on 
the banks of the Tay, under the superin- 
tendence of a Scotch shipmaster, John 
Smith. 

Since the building of wooden ships in the 
United States and other countries is now 
almost a thing of the past, much difficulty 
was experienced in obtaining competent 


SAILING OF THE EXPEDITION 


121 


workmen. Fortunately, however, a firm of 
responsible ship builders, on the coast of 
Maine, was secured, who succeeded in en- 
gaging skilled workmen in numbers suffi- 
cient to permit three shifts of men to con- 
tinue the work uninterruptedly throughout 
the entire twenty-four hours of the day, 
electric lights being employed for the pur- 
pose of illumining the yard at night. The 
vessel so built was known as the “Ex- 
plorer” and was launched and completed 
within the contract time. 

Some of the more important dimensions 
of the “Explorer” will probably be of in- 
terest. They were as follows: Displace- 
ment, 1,620 tons; registered tonnage, 485 
tons; the length of the vessel between the 
perpendiculars, 182 feet; its greatest 
breadth, 35 feet. 

It may be a matter of surprise that a 
wooden ship was finally determined on in 
place of one of steel. The experience, how- 


122 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


ever of those engaged in Arctic work has 
proved that wood is a far more suitable ma- 
terial than steel for the construction of a 
vessel that is to be subjected to the cold of 
the Arctic regions and to the blows and 
pressure of the ice pack. A wooden vessel, 
too, is more easily repaired and kept from 
rusting. Moreover, in the ordinary steel 
vessel there is only a thin sheet of steel, but 
a fraction of an inch in thickness, between 
the ship and the water. 

As the 6 4 Explorer” was eventually con- 
structed, the heavy oak timbers for frames 
were eleven inches in thickness. The 
frames were placed closely together. The 
outside lining of the frames consisted of 
solid planks four inches in thickness, while 
the inner lining was formed of two series of 
planks, six and five inches in thickness, re- 
°pectively, so that in order to bore a hole 
through the sides of the vessel in some 
places, would have necessitated going 


SAILING OF THE EXPEDITION 


123 


through at least twenty-six inches of solid 
wood. 

The frames were of oak, the inner lining 
of selected fir, while the inner skin, was of 
pitch pine, mahogany or red cedar, while 
the outer skin was of elm. In order to stif- 
fen and strengthen the side structure, beams 
were placed extending from side to side 
with strong transverse wooden bulkheads in 
between. 

The bows of the vessel were especially 
strong, the construction being such as to 
give to this part of the vessel the strength 
it would have had if it had been built of 
solid oak throughout. This is a matter of 
the greatest consequence, since when the 
vessel is caught in an ice-floe, as it is so 
apt to be in the northern seas, this portion 
is obliged to do very severe work when the 
vessel is ramming or forcing its way 
through the ice. 

The motive power of the vessel was fur- 


124 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


nished by two triple expansion steam en- 
gines, driven by two cylindrical boilers de- 
signed for operation at a pressure of 150 
pounds to the square inch. The engines 
were rated at 450 horse power, but were cap- 
able of giving 500 indicated horse power. 
In addition there were provided an engine 
for the purpose of driving a large dynamo- 
electric machine, that .furnished current for 
operating a searchlight placed on the vessel, 
as well as for lighting the vessel itself, or for 
driving its many electric motors. The 
steam for this engine was provided by an ad- 
ditional boiler which also supplied the steam 
for the operation of a condenser, intended 
for providing the vessel, when necessary, 
with fresh water. 

The engine-room was situated near the 
stern of the vessel, close to the propeller 
shafts. The wardroom and mess-deck were 
near the center of the vessel, the coal space 
or bunker being immediately below the 


SAILING OF THE EXPEDITION 


125 


wardroom. Prof. Kransen was careful to 
avoid the difficulties that had been experi- 
enced in the “ Discovery’ ’ in satisfactorily 
heating the wardroom; for, while its ceil- 
ing and walls were readily heated, yet ow- 
ing to the iron in. the coal bunkers below, 
the floor was generally quite cold. This diffi- 
culty was avoided in the “ Explorer ’ ’ by 
placing a lining of mineral wool in between 
the double floors. This lining, by reason of 
its non-conducting power for heat, prevented 
the floor from rapidly imparting its heat by 
conduction to the iron mass below, and thus 
being chilled. 

We will make no effort to describe the 
character of the provisions carried on this 
voyage. There was a generous supply of 
necessities. They included the usual supply 
of flour, cornmeal, pickled and salted meats, 
various canned goods, coffee, tea, preserves,' 
a large supply of sweet chocolate. Besides 
this, there were large quantities of lime 


126 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


juice for use during possible attacks of 
scurvy. 

A part of the cargo that gave the en- 
gineer much trouble was the supply of coal. 
There was storage room on the vessel for 
only some 350 tons. Inasmuch as, it has 
already been stated, the engineer had 
planned the erection at the principal north- 
ern station of thoroughly heated and ven- 
tilated houses, this quantity would fall con- 
siderably short of the necessary amount. 
Arrangements were therefore made for two 
coalers to deliver at the first station, or win- 
ter headquarters, a supply sufficient for 
three or four years. 

In addition to the coal, an abundant sup- 
ply of naptha was taken for use in the au- 
tomobile or steam launches, the engineer 
expected to employ. This material was 
carefully stored away in strong, airtight 
vessels. 

Water tanks were provided, so as to per- 


SAILING OF THE EXPEDITION 


127 


mit an abundance of fresh water to be taken 
along. 

As the party did not expect to make any 
magnetic observations while on the ocean, 
no efforts were taken to exclude iron from 
certain parts of the vessel. 

As regards her sails, the vessel was rigged 
like an ordinary barque, the fore and main- 
masts being square rigged, and the mizzen- 
mast schooner rigged. Since, as Capt. 
Jones said, the “ Explorer’ ’ was an un- 
usually stiff vessel, and could safely be pro- 
vided with much canvas, its sails were much 
larger than those of the old “ Discovery ;” 
for in the “Discovery” the mainmast from 
truck to keelson, had a length of only 112 
feet, the mainyard being sixty feet in 
length. In this manner, it will be seen that 
in the “Explorer” considerable advantage 
was gained, as in light winds all the great 
extent of canvas could be used, thus great- 
ly aiding the steam power when the ves- 


128 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


sel was forcing its way through the ice- 
floes. 

The officers and specialists, together 
with the crew of the vessel, numbered some 
forty men. 

In addition to the ordinary stores to 
which we have briefly referred, and which 
form a part of all Arctic vessels, Prof. 
Kransen had provided a number of articles 
that are not ordinarily carried on such an 
expedition. Among some of these things 
were a number of the latest type of automo- 
biles together with others of his especial de- 
sign. In addition there was a form of au- 
tomobile launch designed by Kransen. 

The supply of balloons of various types 
was especially complete, including both 
captive balloons designed for the taking of 
observations, and dirigible balloons of the 
latest type, so constructed as to be able, 
within certain limits to make progress 
against any ordinary wind. The engineer 


SAILING OF THE EXPEDITION 


129 


placed much reliance on his balloons, since, 
by establishing a station in the far north, he 
expected to be able, by waiting for favora- 
ble winds and other climatic conditions, to 
reach the north pole. 

The equipment of the ‘ * Explorer” was 
singularly complete, so far as various physi- 
cal apparatus was concerned. As already 
mentioned, a powerful searchlight formed 
an important part of the outfit. In addi- 
tion there was a large storage battery, and 
all the necessary apparatus for wireless 
telegraphy. Telegraphic apparatus of the 
ordinary type ; telephonic apparatus ar- 
ranged so as readily to be extended from 
place to place, together with a great variety 
of other apparatus which will be mentioned 
as occasion calls for their use. 

But what was more to the point, the en- 
gineer had provided a complete machine 
shop on the vessel, together with various 
machine tools which he designed to set up in 

9 


130 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


a machine shop to be erected at the first sta- 
tion. Of course, he took along with him a 
number of competent machinists, so that he 
could always repair the many delicate 
pieces of apparatus employed. 

A competent electrician and assistant 
were taken along whose duty it was to take 
charge of the wireless telegraphic appa- 
ratus, attend to the running of the dynamo, 
the storage battery and the searchlight. 

But what, in the opinion of Mr. Hender- 
son, was of the greatest importance, was a 
special newspaper reporter, a Mr. Gideon 
Brown, who was to represent Mr. Hender- 
son’s newspapers both on the vessel and at 
the station. Mr. Brown was currently re- 
ported to be one of the best reporters con- 
nected with any of Mr. Henderson’s papers. 
Mr. Henderson, who was spending so much 
money on this polar expedition, for the pur- 
pose of obtaining exclusive news for his 
paper, properly recognized the importance 


SAILING OF THE EXPEDITION 


131 


of sending a man who was capable of col- 
lecting and preparing the kind of news the 
papers needed. A smaller minded man than 
Mr. Henderson might have thought it suf- 
ficient to obtain by means of wireless 
telegraphy all necessary news from Prof. 
Kransen himself, that the news so sent be- 
ing afterwards expanded and put into 
proper shape, when received by the news- 
papers. Henderson, however, was not satis- 
fied with news of this character, saying : 

“As I am spending all this money to get 
exclusive news, it will certainly pay me to 
send along a man who knows exactly what 
kind of material we need, how to prepare 
it, and who recognizes the importance of 
getting it promptly to my various papers.” 

Nor had Mr. Henderson’s interest in the 
expedition stopped here. He was constantly 
sending Prof. Kransen typewritten infor- 
mation of various things that might prove 
of value or interest. One day Kransen was 


132 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


delighted to receive a complete typewritten 
copy of the entire equipment of the Bald- 
win-Zeigler Expedition, which was prob- 
ably, up to this time, the most complete 
Polar expedition ever sent out. This list 
was accompanied by the following note to 
the engineer : 

“I have thought that the enclosed list 
might prove of some value to you in deter- 
mining what to take with you.” 

The supply of drugs and medicines were 
looked after by Dr. Hanscombe; among 
these were, of course, included various sur- 
gical and therapeutic apparatus. In order 
that the Doctor might have liberty to study 
meteorological problems while on the expe- 
dition, as well as to provide a doctor for 
sledging parties, Dr. Hanscombe took along 
with him a young physician, a Dr. Stone, in 
whom he had great confidence. 

Two very important members of the crew 
were skilled hunters and fishermen, who 


SAILING OF THE EXPEDITION 


133 


were to be taken aboard tbe vessel at one 
of the ports on the coast of Greenland, at 
which the vessel was to stop. The en- 
gineer engaged these men so as to be rea- 
sonably sure of a plentiful supply of fresh 
meat and fish during their long sojourn in 
the polar regions, hoping in this way, as 
well as by insuring thoroughly ventilated 
and heated quarters, to escape entirely that 
great Arctic scourge, the scurvy. 

Arrangements were also made to take on 
board a number of dogs that were to be 
placed on the vessel at some port on the coast 
of Greenland. 

As the vessel was leaving its pier in New 
York City, a messenger boy handed Com. 
Kransen the following letter from Mr. 
Henderson : 

“My Dear Kransen: 

“I am sending you with the enclosed, two sealed 
letters of instruction, marked No. 1 and No. 2, re- 
spectively. No. 1 is to be read to the crew at noon 
on the second day out; No. 2, I especially wish you 


134 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

not to read until you have gone into your winter 
quarters at whatever point in the far north you have 
selected for this purpose. I will leave entirely to 
your judgment what parts of letter No. 2 are to be 
read to the officers and crew. 

“Wishing you success in the Expedition, 

I am, Very truly yours, 

‘ ‘ Henderson. ’ ’ 

When the engineer had finished reading 
the letter, he handed it to Dr. Hanscombe 
saying: 

“Read that letter, Hanscombe.” 

The doctor did so, saying : 

“ Henderson has taken a very great inter- 
est in this expedition.’ ’ 

“Yes,” said the engineer, laughing, 
“about a $1,500,000 interest.” 

“I wonder what the sealed instructions 
are,” said the doctor. “However,” he 
added, “we shall know at the proper time.” 

“Yes,” said the engineer quietly, “but I 
am sure they will contain nothing that is in 
the least degree unreasonable.” 


SAILING OF THE EXPEDITION 


135 


.“I, too, am sure of that,” replied the doc- 
tor. 

Capt. Jones now gave the necessary or- 
ders for casting off the vessel, and they 
were soon passing down the river toward 
the bay. 


CHAPTER VIII 


MAN OVERBOARD 


S the vessel was making headway down 



XJL the river, Andree and Eric were 
standing together leaning over the rail on 
the starboard, or the right hand side, of the 
vessel facing the bow, the other or left hand 
side being termed the larboard or port. 
They had been leaning over the taffrail, the 
name given to the rail around the stern, in 
order to get a last view of a delegation of 
their schoolmates, who had come to see them 


off. 


As the vessel made its way towards the 
bay, it came in clearer sight of the huge 
Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World. 
This statue, designed by Bartholdi, the 
sculptor, was built with popular subscrip- 


136 


MAN OVERBOARD 


137 


tions by the people of France, who pre- 
sented it to the United States. It required 
five years for its completion. The pedestal 
for its reception was erected on Bedloe’s 
Island, New York Harbor, the money neces- 
sary for this purpose being obtained by pop- 
ular subscriptions collected by the New 
York World. The building of the pedestal 
went on so slowly, that although commenced 
in April, 1883, it was not completed until 
some time in 1886. 

As the boys were looking at this great 
statue, Andree, turning to Eric said: 

“Take a good look at it, Eric, it will be 
some time before we will see it again.” 

“All right, Andree, I’m taking the look. 
I say, Andree,” he added, “do you know the 
dimensions of this statue?” 

“No, I am sorry to say that I do not.” 

At this remark, a gentleman who was 
standing near Eric and who had already at- 
tracted their attention by the copious notes 


138 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


he was making of the different things that 
had occurred since the sailing of the vessel, 
turned to them saying : 

“Wait a moment and I will tell you,” 
then hurriedly sealing a package of his notes 
in an envelope, he dexterously threw it to 
a tug boat that had accompanied the vessel 
and was just turning round to return to 
New York, shouting to the man who caught 
it: 

“Please see that this is promptly mailed 
in the city,” then turning good naturedly 
to the boys he said: 

“The total height of the statue from the 
level of the water to the top of the hat is a 
little over 301 feet. The height from the 
top of the head to its heel is 111 feet. The 
total weight is 225 tons, nearly one-half of 
which consists of bronze,” then turning 
from the statue to the boys he said : 

“The proportions of the statue are so ex- 
cellent that it is difficult at first sight to ap- 


MAN OVERBOARD 


139 


predate its great size. You would hardly 
think,’ ’ he added, “that there is sufficient 
room in the head, which, unlike most 
heads,” in a laughing tone, “is hollow, to 
accommodate forty people when standing. 
Even the torch is large enough to accom- 
modate twelve. How long would you sup- 
pose the hand to be,” he said, turning to 
Eric. 

Eric, who was quick at figures, remember- 
ing that the stranger had given him the 
height of the statue from its heel to the top 
of its head as 111 feet, and estimating the 
length of the hand as being between 1-6 and 
1-7 the total height of the body, made the 
necessary calculations and at once said to 
the gentleman: 

“I should say about 16% feet.” 

On hearing this estimate, which was, by 
the way, almost rigorously exact, the gen- 
tleman laughed heartily and said : 

“And yet you are the lad who just now 


140 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


inquired of your companion the exact di- 
mensions of the statue. You have been put- 
ting up a bluff on him and have been care- 
fully studying these figures on the sly. Am 
I not right?” 

“No,” said Eric, smiling, “I have never 
heard the dimensions of the statue else I 
would not have asked about them. It is 
you, sir, who forgets that you have given 
me the actual height of the figure from 
which it is not difficult to estimate the di- 
mensions of different parts of the body, such 
as that of the hand ; for as you say, the pro- 
portions of the body have been correctly 
preserved by the sculptor.” 

“Hello,” said the gentleman, “we have a 
mathematician and a philosopher here, in- 
deed. You can’t always tell the value of a 
thing from its size, can you,” referring to 
Eric’s small stature. “But let me test you 
further. What would you say the dimen- 
sions of the index finger are?” 


MAN OVERBOARD 


141 


‘ 6 That’s easy,” said Eric, laughing. 
“ Everyone knows that the index finger is 
about half as long as the whole hand, so its 
length in this case must be something in the 
neighborhood of eight feet.” 

“ Excellent,” said the gentleman, “you 
are quick at figures and a close observer. 
I suppose you boys will leave the vessel on 
the pilot boat farther down the bay.” 

“No, sir,” said Andree, “we are going 
along with the expedition, at least as far as 
the first station, and we hope all the way. 
For we believe that this expedition is going 
to discover the north pole, and, therefore, 
want to go with it.” 

“Bravo,” said the gentleman, “I like to 
hear you talk that way. I am attached to 
this expedition, and I therefore hope as you 
do, that it will be successful. Since we will 
be close companions for so long a time, let 
us introduce ourselves. My name is Gideon 
E. Brown, I am Reporter in Chief of the 


142 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


Expedition, and formerly a reporter for Mr. 
Henderson’s New York newspapers. I am 
going with the expedition for the purpose 
of forwarding by means of wireless 
telegraphy whatever news I can collect. 
Now let me have your names, please.” 

The boys felt pleasantly drawn towards 
the stranger, who had a bright, quick air 
about him, that was very attractive, so that 
Andree, at whom he had directly looked 
when he asked this question, said : 

“My name is Andree Kransen.” 

“Any relation to Prof. Kransen, the 
Chief of this expedition?” 

“Yes,” said Andree, “he is my uncle.” 

“The name Andree is neither American 
nor English,” said the reporter. “There 
was a celebrated Arctic explorer named 
Andree. Have you ever heard of him?” he 
asked. 

“Yes,” said Andree, “we were distantly 
connected.” 


MAN OVERBOARD 


143 


“And now, what is the name of the 
mathematician and estimator ? ” he said, 
turning to Eric. 

“My name is Eric Hanscombe, a nephew 
of Dr. Hanscombe.’ ’ 

“Yes, I know,” said the reporter, “the 
Doctor-in-Chief of this expedition. I am 
glad to know you, hoys,” he said. “We will 
necessarily see very much of one another, 
and I feel sure that we will be good com- 
pany during our long sojourn in the north. 
But I must go now, as I wish to get a new 
batch of notes ready to send off by the pilot 
boat that will leave us farther out.” 

As the reporter left them Andree said to 
Eric: 

“Mr. Brown appears to be very pleasant. 
How well informed he was of the dimen- 
sions of the Bartholdi statue of Liberty.” 

“Yes,” said Eric, “these New York re- 
porters keep themselves wonderfully well 
posted concerning everything that may in- 


144 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


terest the public. It is the business of Mr. 
Brown, as a reporter, to keep himself well 
informed about all kinds of things, so that 
I am sure we can spend many pleasant 
hours talking to him. For,” he added, 
“you see he does not seem to object to talk- 
ing to boys.” 

After the reporter left them, they noticed 
him going hurriedly to different parts of the 
vessel, taking notes of what he saw. Soon 
afterwards they saw him climbing the main- 
mast to examine the antennae or the sending 
and receiving portions of the wireless tele- 
graphic apparatus with which the vessel 
was equipped. He appeared to be abso- 
lutely fearless, although it was evident, 
from the manner in which he climbed the 
rigging, that exercise of this kind was quite 
new to him. Shortly afterwards, just as 
the visitors were notified to get ready to 
leave on the pilot boat, there was heard that 
dreaded cry on sea-going vessels : 



“ Man overboard ! ” 













• » 






























































MAN OVERBOARD 


145 


“Man overboard !” 

Running to the larboard side of the ves- 
sel, the boys saw a man struggling in the 
water, whom they immediately recognized 
as the reporter, Mr. Brown. It was clear 
that he was a poor swimmer, since he ap- 
peared to have great difficulty in keeping 
his head above water. 

Andree, running to a ring-shaped buoy, 
quickly detached it from its fastenings on 
the side of the vessel and dexterously threw 
it so that it landed near the struggling man. 
The man, however, was apparently too much 
exhausted to reach it, and it was clear that 
he would drown if help did not promptly 
reach him. 

Andree, throwing off his coat, and mount- 
ing the rail of the vessel, bravely jumped 
into the water, turning to Eric and saying : 

“Don’t come, Eric. You know I swim 
much better than you do. I can get him to 

the life preserver.” 

10 


146 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


Without heeding the suggestion of An- 
dree, Brie, who had in the meanwhile 
thrown off his coat, jumped into the water 
along side of Andree. 

The two boys swam rapidly towards the 
now drowning man. By the time they 
reached the floating buoy, he had disap- 
peared. Fortunately, however, he soon rose 
to the surface close to where they were. 

“Look out, Eric,” shouted Andree, “be 
careful he doesn’t grab you. Approach 
him from behind, and while I hold him, try 
to lift the buoy over his head.” 

Andree caught the man from the back 
by the hair of his head and had consider- 
able trouble in holding his head above the 
water. Fortunately, however, the reporter 
was a brave, cool man, and aided Andree 
as much as he could. After considerable 
trouble, Eric succeeded, by the help of 
Andree, in getting the ring-shaped life buoy 
. over the man’s head. This was not done a 


MAN OVERBOARD 


147 


moment too soon; for, the buoy was no 
sooner placed so as to hold his head above 
the water, that the reporter lost conscious- 
ness. 

“Now, Eric,” said Andree, “rest your 
hand lightly against my shoulders and I 
will have no difficulty in holding you up un- 
til either the pilot boat picks us up, or Capt. 
Jones sends out a boat.” 

Eric did as he was requested. The two 
boys remained near the life buoy, husband- 
ing their strength and making no efforts to 
reach the vessel, feeling confident that suc- 
cor would promptly reach them. 

Although at the cry, “man overboard,” 
Capt. Jones had immediately signalled for 
the stopping and reversal of the engines, 
yet in the short time that had elapsed before 
it could stop, the brig had forged ahead for 
nearly half a mile. 

For some reason or other, the cry of 
“man overboard” had not been heard by 


148 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


the pilot boat, which was on the side of the 
vessel opposite that from which the man had 
fallen. Although it started for the rescue 
shortly afterwards, yet a boat, immediately 
lowered by order of Capt, Jones, reached 
them and drew the unconscious man into 
the boat and the boys after him, long be- 
fore the pilot boat had reached the spot. 

They were soon all on board. Those who 
crowded around Mr. Brown were surprised, 
when, almost immediately regaining con- 
sciousness, he opened his hand, in which he 
had been tightly holding a sealed envelope, 
and handing it to Dr. Hanscombe, who was 
kneeling beside him ready to begin his 
resuscitation, he remarked: 

“ Please give this to the captain of the 
pilot boat and tell him to be sure to have it 
mailed in New York City immediately on 
his return.’ ’ 

“I will,” said Dr. Hanscombe, smiling, 
and then turning to some sailors, said: 


MAN OVERBOARD 


149 


“Take this man below and give him a 
change of dry clothing.’ ’ 

Both boys were heartily congratulated by 
their uncles, by Capt. Jones and, indeed, by 
all the other members of the exploring 
party. Neither Prof. Kransen nor Dr. 
Hanscombe said anything in the way of 
praise to the boys, but it was evident that 
all were very proud of what the boys had 
done. Dr. Hanscombe merely said to them : 

“Better go to your cabin and put on dry 
clothes.” 

Capt. J ones grasped the boys warmly by 
the hand, saying : 

“That was a brave act. It will be one of 
the first things I enter in the log of the 
‘Explorer.’ ” 

And sure enough that evening, Capt. 
Jones read to the boys the following entry 
he had made in the log of the vessel : 

“May 12th, 1904. Left New York at 
high tide,” then followed the brief state- 


150 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


ment, “ Gideon E. Brown, reporter, fell 
overboard at the entrance of the harbor, as 
the pilot boat was getting ready to leave, and 
was bravely rescued by Andree Kransen 
and Eric Hanscombe, the two youngest 
members of the expedition.’ ’ 

Those of the sailors who had witnessed 
the rescue were favorably impressed with 
the boys’ courage. One of them remarked 
to his companion: 

“They are two plucky lads. If, as I sup- 
pose, they are visitors, they had better get 
on dry clothes, for the pilot boat will now 
leave in a few minutes.” 

“No, matey, I understand they are going 
with us all the way, at least so far as the 
first winter’s quarters, and I am glad of it, 
for they seem to be two all-right lads.” 

The boys’ cabin adjoined the cabin as- 
signed to Prof. Kransen and Dr. Hans- 
combe. At the advice of their uncles, they 
had, two days before the vessel sailed, 


MAN OVERBOARD 


151 


brought their clothes and the different 
things they intended to take with them and 
arranged them in their cabin so that they 
had no difficulty in changing their clothes. 

“ You ’re a plucky little fellow, Eric,” 
said Andree while they were dressing. “I 
asked you to stay on the vessel, but to tell 
the truth, I am glad you came, for, as you 
know, it was just as much as both of us 
could do to get the man inside the life 
buoy.” 

“Why, Andree,” said Eric, in a matter 
of fact way, “of course I jumped in after 
you. I couldn’t stay on the vessel when I 
saw you in the water. Aren’t you glad you 
taught me to swim?” 

“I am indeed,” said Andree. 

“Now let’s hurry up and get outside, I 
want to see the pilot boat leave, and bid 
good-bye to such of our friends as are on 
board to see us off.” 

The sailors, both of the “Explorer” and 


152 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


the pilot boat, greeted the boys with cheers 
when they appeared on deck, while the mem- 
bers of the “ Explorer’s’’ party crowded 
around them, congratulating them on their 
bravery. 

“ It is a good beginning,” said one of the 
men. “I was afraid when I heard that two 
boys were going along they would only 
bother us, but lads like you I am sure will be 
a help.” 

As the pilot boat was leaving, the captain 
cried out: 

“Good bye, boys. I hope you enjoyed 
your swim.” 

Just at this moment, Mr. Brown, the re- 
porter, came running on deck from one of 
the cabins, and coming to the side of the ves- 
sel nearest the pilot boat, called out to the 
captain : 

“Captain, here’s an additional package 
for you. Please mail it with the one I gave 
Dr. Hanscombe for you. I was afraid I 


MAN OVERBOARD 


153 


would not have it ready for you in time.” 

“All right, Mr. Brown,” said the captain 
laughing. “I will see that it is promptly 
mailed as soon as I reach the city.” Then 
turning to the boys the reporter said: 

“That was a rather unexpected swim, was 
it not ? But it will make a splendid article 
for our newspapers.” He then added in a 
more serious vein, “You did not come a mo- 
ment too soon. I had already gone down 
once, and I should have undoubtedly 
drowned, but for your prompt action. I 
shall not forget it.” 


CHAPTER IX 


THE ASSISTANT REPORTERS OF THE HENDERSON- 
KRANSEN NORTH POLAR EXPEDITION 

HE wardroom, or the space occupied 



JL as a messroom by the regularly com- 
missioned officers, was of a fairly good size. 
Separate cabins were placed on each side 
for the commissioned members of the ex- 
pedition, while at the after end, near the 
engine room, were cabins for Prof. Kran- 
sen, chief of the expedition, and for Capt. 
Jones, chief navigator. 

The crew’s space was shorter than the 
wardroom, but since it extended the entire 
width of the vessel, its floor space was 
greater. The galley space beyond, was nar- 
rowed by means of compartments that were 
placed on each side. The living spaces were 


154 


ASSISTANT REPORTERS 


155 


situated between the fore end of the galley 
space, and the after end of the cabin of 
Prof. Kransen. 

Owing to the severe climate of the Arctic 
regions, every effort was made to insure the 
living space being kept warm and thorough- 
ly ventilated. 

The mess table of the commissioned offi- 
cers, securely fixed to the floor, extended 
along the middle space of the wardroom. 
Its length was sufficient to accommodate 
five on each side, and one at each end. 
Prof. Kransen and Capt. Jones occupied 
the end seats; the first and second mates 
were seated opposite each other at the end 
of the table nearest Capt. Jones, while Dr. 
Hanscombe and Andree sat opposite each 
other at the end nearest Com. Kransen. 
The remaining seats on Andree ’s side were 
occupied by the reporter, the engineer in 
charge of the steam plant, the chief elec- 
trician, while the seats on Dr. Hans- 


156 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


combe’s side were occupied by Eric, the as- 
sistant doctor, and the master mechanic. 

Light was furnished to all the living 
spaces of the vessel either by means of a 
central skylight, or by small, round deck 
lights. 

At the special request of Prof. Kransen, 
all the commissioned officers were present 
at the first dinner. He did this in order 
formally to introduce the members of his 
staff to one another, as well as to speak to 
them concerning the objects of the expedi- 
tion. 

“Gentlemen,” he said, “we will always 
observe the saying of grace at our mess 
table. It will be the duty of the presiding 
officer either to pronounce it himself, or to 
call on some one to do so.” He then said a 
short grace. The different officers of the 
expedition were then formally introduced 
to one another and the duties of each were 
read aloud by Prof. Kransen from a type- 


ASSISTANT REPORTERS 


157 


written sheet of paper. He afterwards 
handed it to the officers it referred to, as he 
completed the reading. He then made a 
short but earnest address, explaining in full 
the objects of the expedition, calling atten- 
tion to the fact that success would be de- 
pendent to a great extent on the more or 
less faithful way in which each officer per- 
formed his duties. He referred to the hard 
work before them, work by no means free 
from great danger; work that would often 
necessitate no little suffering and priva- 
tion. At the same time, however, he con- 
gratulated them on the work being of such 
a character as to bring great credit on each 
member of the expedition provided they 
were successful in reaching the north pole. 

When he had completed his address, the 
reporter, turning to Prof. Kransen, said : 

“It seems to me, Commander, that you 
have omitted the names of two of our com- 
pany.” 


158 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“I suppose,’ ’ said Kransen good na- 
turedly, “that you refer to my young 
friends, Andree and Eric. That I have not 
named them is only because I have not de- 
cided what duties to assign them. As soon 
as I have determined on this, I will issue 
their commissions for it is my intention as 
far as possible that these lads shall become 
regular members of our party. Of course, 
they are very young, but I think you will 
agree that they will not be entirely useless. 
For my part, I believe that they will aid us 
in the great work we have before us.” 

“Prof. Kransen,” said the reporter, 
“may I ask a favor?” 

“Certainly, Mr. Brown. What is it? I 
shall be pleased to grant it if possible.’ * 

“I especially request that you will ap- 
point these two lads as Assistant Reporters 
of the Henderson-Kransen North Polar 
Expedition!” 

“Oh, come, Brown,” cried the chief elec- 


ASSISTANT REPORTERS 


159 


trician, a Mr. Charles Thomas, “how do you 
know but that I may wish one of the lads 
appointed as one of my assistant electri- 
cians ?” 

“Or that I,” said the chief mechanician, 
a Mr. Anders Jennsen, “may wish one of 
them for one of my assistant mechanic- 
ians?” 

“That may be all right,” replied the re- 
porter, “but, Prof. Kransen, I respectfully 
submit that while each of these gentlemen 
says that he may wish one of these lads to 
fill these positions, I have reached the point 
when I wish it at the present time, and I 
trust that you will therefore promptly make 
these appointments. I wish to say here,” 
he added, “that I am not asking for this ap- 
pointment because of the aid these boys 
have already been to me, but because, en- 
tirely irrespective of this, I have picked 
them out as being the best fitted by educa- 
tion as well as by alertness and adaptability 


160 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


for the particular work I have asked you to 
assign them.” 

“Well,” said Prof. Kransen, “I see no 
objection in temporarily making the ap- 
pointments you ask. I, therefore, appoint 
Andree Kransen and Eric Hanscombe, as 
Assistant Reporters on the Henderson- 
Kransen North Polar Expedition. Both of 
you will report after dinner to Mr. Brown, 
who will give you instructions as to your 
duties, etc. If I conclude to make these ap- 
pointments permanent, I will have regular 
commissions issued to you.” 

After dinner, the boys reported to Mr. 
Brown, who requested them to come into 
the cabin he occupied with Jennsen, the 
chief mechanician. 

As soon as the boys came into the room 
the reporter said: 

“You must not suppose, boys, that I have 
asked your appointment as my assistants as 
a matter of either fun or sentiment. On 


ASSISTANT REPORTERS 


161 


the contrary, I am very much in earnest. 
There will he so much to do on an expedi- 
tion of this kind, to keep the records of all 
events and discoveries, that it would be im- 
possible for me to attend to it alone. 
While I have excellent eyes and ears, yet I 
cannot see or hear all that I should in order 
properly to perform my work. Sometime 
before the sailing of the expedition, I had, 
therefore, endeavored to get Commander 
Kransen’s permission to bring two assist- 
ants with me. He was unwilling to grant 
this request, since he feared it would en- 
cumber the expedition. He informed me 
that he already had been obliged to refuse 
the proffered assistance of no less than 
twenty different persons, who were so anx- 
ious to accompany the expedition that they 
offered him their services gratuitously. He 
promised, however, that, as it could be done 
without injuring their work, he was willing 

that I should appoint any two of the regu- 
11 


162 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


larly commissioned officers as my assist- 
ants.” 

“Now,” continued the reporter, “I have 
been carefully looking around since I came 
on board and have concluded that there are 
none on the vessel, so far as I have been 
able to see, who can help me as well as you 
can. I trust, therefore, that you will be 
willing to accept the appointments.” 

“What will our duties be,” inquired Eric. 
“Our uncles wish us as far as possible to 
continue our school studies on the expedi- 
tion. To what extent would our duties as 
reporters prevent this?” 

“Don’t let that trouble you, my lads. 
These duties need not seriously interfere 
with your school work. I wish you to sub- 
mit to me daily records of the events of the 
voyage as you see them. To do this, you 
must acquire the habit of clearly describing 
w T hat you see, also of narrating all events of 
popular interest, and at the same time of 


ASSISTANT REPORTERS 


163 


drawing correct conclusions concerning all 
that has occurred.” 

After thinking the matter over for a few 
moments, both boys said that they thought 
they would accept the appointments, but 
asked a little time for further considera- 
tion. 

“I am authorized by Mr. Henderson to 
pay to each of you a yearly salary of $500, 
if you accept,” said Mr. Brown. “I am 
further authorized to increase this salary to 
$1,000 each, provided you are, in my judg- 
ment, able to earn it.” 

“That is by no means a small salary for 
boys,” said Eric, “but if I accept the ap- 
pointment, I shall try to earn it.” 

“And so shall I,” said Andree. 

“If I had not felt sure that you are worth 
this salary, I should not have asked for 
your appointments. As to this work inter- 
fering with your school work, I am sure 
that, on the contrary, it will greatly im- 


164 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


prove your English. I was formerly Pro- 
fessor of English Literature in one of our 
eastern colleges, so that I am sure I can 
greatly aid you in your studies.’ ’ 

But Eric had been doing no little think- 
ing since the amount of the yearly salary 
had been mentioned. He readily calculated 
that $500 a year would mean a monthly re- 
ceipt of $41.66, or about $1.30 a day. He 
had been well supplied with pocket money 
by his father, but this was a much larger 
sum than he had been accustomed to receive. 
He, therefore, questioned whether he would 
be justified in receiving what appeared to 
him so large a payment. 

Brown, who had been noticing his face, 
and noting his hesitation, remarked: 

“Well, my lad, what is the matter? Let 
us hear it.” 

“Why, it is this, Mr. Brown. I cannot 
see how two boys, like Andree and myself, 
can honestly earn as much money as five 


ASSISTANT REPORTERS 165 

hundred dollars a year by merely writing a 
detailed account of what occurs on and 
around the vessel. I do not see how Mr. 
Henderson can afford to pay so great a sum 
of money to each of us. I am fraid, Mr. 
Brown, that you are permitting your grati- 
tude for what Andree and I have done in 
pulling you out of the water, to lead you to 
ask for these appointments.” 

When the lad had finished speaking, the 
reporter smiled and remarked: 

“ Don’t let such thoughts worry you. 
Now listen to what I have to say, for I don’t 
believe in saying the same thing twice. 
You do not understand what a wonderfully 
clear-headed business man Mr. Henderson 
is. He knows quite well that a book de- 
scribing in detail all that has occurred on 
board this expedition would be a great sell- 
er, provided, as we all believe will be the 
case, the expedition is successful and the 
north pole is reached. To this end, how- 


166 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


ever, the publication of the book should be 
made as nearly as possible simultaneous 
with the announcement of the success of the 
expedition. He has, therefore, especially 
charged me, besides my other duties, with 
the preparation of such a book. I shall 
need considerable help in this work, and it 
is especially in this direction that I wish 
your aid as assistant reporters. Of course, 
I hope to be aided in the preparation of the 
book by the different members of our staff, 
but I expressly stipulated to Mr. Henderson 
that I should, if possible, have at least two 
assistants under my directions.” 

And then, after a moment’s pause, as if 
he was trying to see if he had covered 
everything, he said : 

“I can assure you that you need not 
trouble yourselves about being able to earn 
your salary; for, unless your work is up to 
the mark, no matter how well I like you 
personally, or how much I am indebted to 


ASSISTANT REPORTERS 167 

you for saving my life, I shall promptly dis- 
charge you as my assistants and look for 
other help. Does that satisfy you,” he in- 
quired of Eric. 

“Yes, Mr. Brown, that is all right. I 
gladly accept the appointment and for my 
part shall endeavor to remain one of the as- 
sistant reporters of the Henderson-Kransen 
North Polar Expedition.” 

“And I,” said Andree, “also accept and 
will endeavor to remain as the other assist- 
ant.” 

As they left Mr. Brown’s stateroom, An- 
dree said to Eric : 

“If we do the work Mr. Brown has 
mapped out for us we will not have many 
idle moments on our hands.” 

“No,” said Eric, “and I am glad of it.” 

Since they had been on board the vessel 
the boys noticed that the day on shipboard 
was divided into periods by the ringing of 
bells, the time being indicated by the num- 


168 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


ber of the strokes of a bell. Andree and 
Eric bad endeavored to work out tliis mat- 
ter for themselves, but being unsuccessful, 
they determined to see if they could get ac- 
curate information from one of the men. 

“ Andree,” said Eric, “ let’s ask the boat- 
swain. He seems to be a pleasant sort of 
man.” 

The boatswain of the “ Explorer” was a 
native of Sweden named Hjalmar Gorgsen. 
The duties of a boatswain are to take 
charge of the boats, sails, rigging, anchors, 
cables, etc. It is also his duty to call the 
crew to work by blowing on a pipe or a 
whistle. The safety of the vessel is largely 
dependent on the boatswain’s properly at- 
tending to his duties. 

On inquiring for Mr. Gorgsen, the boys 
were informed that, this being his off-watch, 
he was in the part of the vessel correspond- 
ing to the forecastle, a part that was formed 
for the sleeping and assembly-room of the 


ASSISTANT REPORTERS 


169 


sailors. Here they found the boatswain 
quietly seated, puffing away at his pipe. 

“Mr. Gorgsen,” said Eric, approaching 
him, “may we ask you some questions about 
the ship.” 

“Certainly, my lads,” was the reply. “I 
shall be glad to tell you anything I know. 
You are the lads who put the ring-buoy 
over Mr. Brown. What can I do for 
you?” 

“We have been trying to understand the 
meaning of the different bells that are rung 
on the ship. Will you explain this to us?” 

“Certainly, lads, sit down here and I will 
make it plain to you. It is like many other 
things, very simple when you understand 
it. As you know, on board a vessel, the 
time is kept by means of bells that are 
struck every half hour. Eight bells are 
struck three times every twelve hours, at 
four, eight and twelve in the morning and 
afternoon. Half an hour after eight bells, 


170 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

one bell, or one stroke, is sounded, 
then half an hour after that, two bells, or 
two strokes rapidly following each other, 
are struck, then half an hour afterwards, 
three bells are struck, until eight bells are 
struck again, at the end of the four hours. 
When, at the successive half hours, one, two, 
three bells are struck as before. Now, my 
lads, do you think you understand it?” 

“Yes,” replied the boys, “we think we 
do.” 

“Suppose I make a test,” said the boat- 
swain, smiling. “If you hear one bell, 
after the eight bells at midday, what o’clock 
is it?” 

“Half past twelve,” said Eric promptly. 

“And what would half past one be,” in- 
quired the boatswain of Andree. 

“Three bells,” was the reply. 

“Correct,” said the boatswain. 

He then tried his best to catch the boys 
by making rapid inquiries, both concerning 


ASSISTANT REPORTERS 


171 


the number of bells for indicating the 
proper hours of the day, as well as the time 
indicated by the different bells, but they 
gave correct answers to all his inquiries. 

“I see you understand it very thorough- 
ly,” he said, pleased. “You’re all right 
bright boys.” 

“No sir,” said Eric, smiling, “it is be- 
cause you are so good a teacher.” 

The boatswain made no remark, but was 
evidently pleased at the compliment Eric 
had paid him. 

“You will notice,” he added, “that the 
full hours of the day are always indicated 
by an even number of bells, while an uneven 
number indicate the half hours.” 

“Mr. Gorgsen,” said Andree, “what is 
the idea of dividing the day into three pe- 
riods in this manner 1” 

“In order to divide the twenty-four hours 
of the day into what are called watches, 
each watch being four hours in length. A 


172 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


watcli on board a ship means a time when 
all the men belonging to that watch must 
be on deck, or ready for work.” 

The boys thanked the boatswain for the 
trouble he had taken in so thoroughly ex- 
plaining this matter to them. A number of 
sailors on the off-watch, collected around 
them while the explanations were going on, 
and were much pleased when the boatswain 
was unable to catch them. 

“Bright chaps, them,” said one of the 
sailors to his mate in an undertone. 

“Right you are,” was the reply, “sharp 
and quick.” 

“Come down to see me any time you 
feel like coming,” said the boatswain 
“either I or some of the men who are off 
duty will be pleased to spin yarns for you.” 

That evening, while sitting in their cabin 
discussing various matters relating to the 
expedition, Prof. Kransen said to Dr. 
Hanscombe : 


ASSISTANT REPORTERS 


173 


“What do you think of my temporary ap- 
pointments of Andree and Eric as Assistant 
Reporters. Are you willing that Eric 
should serve, or do you think I had better 
revoke the appointments ?” 

“What do you know concerning the char- 
acter of Mr. Brown?” inquired the doctor, 

“I have made no appointment on our ex- 
pedition, until I had carefully considered 
the letters of recommendation that I de- 
manded from each of the applicants and in 
addition made careful inquiries concerning 
each. From the information I received 
concerning Mr. Brown, I believe him to he 
an intelligent, sober, clean-minded, Chris- 
tian man. He had been in Mr. Hender- 
son’s employment for several years. Mr. 
Henderson writes me that he is unusually 
intelligent, trustworthy and well educated. 
I understand that Mr. Brown was once Pro- 
fessor of English Literature in one of the 
eastern colleges and had written several 


174 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


text books that are very well thought of. 
It would seem, that no little advantage 
would result from their coming into daily 
contact with this man.” 

“And how about the work interfering 
with their school studies, which, to some ex- 
tent, we wish them to continue while on this 
expedition?” 

“Why, Hanscombe, work of this kind 
would be along the line of some of their 
studies. It would give them an opportu- 
nity for improving their English, especially 
since Mr. Brown, who appears to have 
taken a great interest in them, entirely 
apart from what they did for him while he 
was in the water, would give them consider- 
able instruction in English composition. 
Besides, the habit they would acquire of 
quick, close observation, cannot but prove 
of value to them in after life.” 

“Then,” said Hanscombe, “since thor- 
oughly understanding the benefits to be de- 


ASSISTANT REPORTERS 


175 


rived, as far as Eric is concerned, you can 
make the appointment permanent.” 

“ And I shall do the same as regards An- 
dree’s appointment,” said Prof. Kransen. 


CHAPTER X 


FROM NEW YORK HARBOR TO GREENLAND 

I T will be remembered that the letter de- 
livered by the messenger boy to Com. 
Kransen as the “ Explorer” was leaving its 
pier in the North River, contained instruc- 
tions that of the two sealed letters inclosed, 
that marked No. 1 was to be read to the of- 
ficers and crew at noon on the second day 
out. Therefore, on this day, a few minutes 
before eight bells, Prof. Kransen, who had 
given orders to the commissioned and non- 
commissioned officers to be assembled on the 
main deck a little before noon, said to Capt. 
J ones : 

“Capt. Jones, tell the boatswain to call 
all hands on deck to hear a communication 
from Mr. Henderson.’ 7 

176 


FROM NEW YORK TO GREENLAND 177 

Capt. Jones immediately gave the follow- 
ing order : * 

“Bos’un, pipe all hands on deck for com- 
munication from Mr. Henderson.” 

In a few minutes the crew were stationed 
under Capt. Jones’ directions hack of the 
commissioned and non-commissioned offi- 
cers. 

As soon as eight bells had sounded, Com. 
Kransen broke the seal of letter marked No. 
1, saying to the assembled men: 

“I have been instructed by Mr. Hender- 
son to read at this time the following sealed 
instructions to all members of the expedi- 
tion.” 

He then read the following letter : 

The officers and crew of the Henderson-Kransen 
North Polar Expedition: 

In order to encourage both officers and crew, I 
hereby authorize Commander Kransen to announce 
the following prizes and extra pay : 

1. The sum of $50,000 cash, to be divided equally 
among the discoverers of the north pole, and this 
12 


178 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


whether the discovery be made by one of the officers 
or by one of the crew. 

2. By the discovery of the north pole is to be un- 
derstood the actual reaching of that point of the 
earth’s surface and not merely seeing it from a dis- 
tance. 

3. Should the pole be first reached by one of a 
party sent out from the expedition for this purpose, 
the above mentioned sum of $50,000 is to be divided 
equally between this one and all members of the 
party, who shall reach the pole within fifteen minutes 
after it shall have been formally taken possession of 
in the name of the United States of America. In 
such a case, however, as a reward to the one first 
reaching the pole, an additional sum of $5,000 cash 
shall be given to such person only. 

4. In case of the successful reaching of the pole by 
any member of the Henderson-Kransen North Polar 
Expedition, including both officers and crew, a bonus 
or extra payment to the full amount of salary or 
wages that shall have become due from the time of 
leaving New York City to the return of the expe- 
dition. 

5. In case of the death of any member of the party 
while on the expedition, the yearly salary or wages, 
together with any bonus to which he would have be- 
come entitled, had he lived, will be paid to his heirs 
or administrators. 


FROM NEW YORK TO GREENLAND 179 


The reading of this communication was 
received with cheers by both officers and 
crew, who felt that Mr. Henderson was 
treating them in a princely manner. Com- 
mander Kransen then made an earnest ap- 
peal to both officers and crew, urging each 
man to do everything in his power to make 
the expedition a success. As regards the 
crew, the general feeling was, perhaps, most 
clearly expressed by the remark one of the 
men was heard to make to another: 

“I say, matie, listen to me. This is a 
very comfortable ship for which we have 
signed.’ ’ 

“ Eight ye are,” was the reply. u It 
makes one feel good to know that the old 
woman, or others we have left at home, will 
be cared for if we should go to Davy Jones’ 
Locker.” 

Nothing special happened during the voy- 
age from New York City to Sidney, Cape 
Breton, where the vessel was to make its 


180 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


first stop. When Sandy Hook was reached, 
the wind freshened and the water became 
rough, so that many of the officers were 
sea sick and obliged to take to their berths. 
Fortunately, however, neither of the boys 
was inconvenienced. 

Andree and Eric soon made themselves 
familiar with all parts of the vessel, includ- 
ing both the spaces below deck and the rig- 
ging. They were especially desirous of 
learning the names of the different parts of 
the vessel and their uses. In order to get 
some idea of the manner in which the ship 
was operated, the engines and boiler-room 
were explored, the chief engineer encourag- 
ing them in their attempt to understand the 
operation of the triple expansion steam en- 
gines, and the manner in which the motive 
power was connected with the propeller 
screws. They were frequent visitors to the 
forecastle, where both the boatswain and 
sailors were always willing to give them the 


FROM NEW YORK TO GREENLAND 181 


names of the different parts of the rigging 
'and sails, besides showing them how to 
make various kinds of knots. 

The wireless telegraphic plant on the 
“ Explorer” was constructed and operated 
on the Marconi System, the transmitter and 
receiver being especially tuned to a station 
located in New York City. As the “ Ex- 
plorer ” passed to the east of Cape Cod, 
Mass., a wireless telegraphic message, or as 
it is commonly called, a Marconigram, was 
received from Cape God, via New York. 

“Commander Kransen, ‘Explorer’: 

“The city of Boston sends greetings through its 
Mayor, and trusts that America may be the first to 
reach the north pole. ’ ’ 

Marconigrams were also received from 
the wireless telegraphic stations on Sable 
Island, south of Cape Sable, at the S. W. 
extremity of Nova Scotia, and from Hali- 
fax, via New York, wishing them godspeed. 
These messages were first transmitted by 


182 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


wireless telegraphy to New York City and 
from thence in the same manner to the “ Ex- 
plorer.’ 9 This was necessary, since the in- 
struments at Sable Island and Halifax were 
not attuned with those on the “ Explorer.’’ 

Kransen read 'the messages to the officers 
and then had them posted where the crew 
could see them. 

They decided to make Sidney their first 
stopping place in order to take on board 
supplies from Canada. It will be remem- 
bered that although the “ Explorer” left 
New York City with her coal bunkers filled, 
it had been determined to take a very much 
larger supply of coal so as to provide both 
for the heating and ventilation of the ves- 
sel, and of the houses that were to be erected 
at their first station. This extra supply 
was to be provided by vessels despatched 
from some coaling station as far north as 
possible. Now there are only two places on 
the North Atlantic coast of America where a 


FROM NEW YORK TO GREENLAND 183 


good supply of coal may be readily obtained. 
These are St. John’s, Newfoundland, and 
Sidney, Cape Breton. The latter place 
was selected both on account of the superior 
quality of its coal, and because it was con- 
venient for the collection of their Canadian 
supplies. It is true that a coal supply 
might have been obtained at a much more 
northern point ; i.e., on the Island of Disco, 
Greenland, but the coal here, besides being 
small in quantity, is poor in quality. 

Instructions had been sent to the cap- 
tains of the two coalers to proceed to Sid- 
ney, take on their cargoes and leave for the 
north as soon as the condition of the ice 
would permit. They had also been in- 
structed to meet the “ Explorer” at a cer- 
tain point near the extreme northeast coast 
of Grant Land. 

Two weeks before sailing, Kransen had 
received information that both vessels had 
left Sidney with full cargoes for the far 


184 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


north. He had feared this early starting of 
the coalers might subject them to dangers 
from the ice-pack, but was assured by Capt. 
Jones that the captains of both vessels were 
careful men who had had long experience 
in the north polar waters. He believed 
that they would make good progress and 
would, in all probability, have traversed a 
good part of the route before the “ Ex- 
plorer” caught up to them. That, indeed, 
since the “ Explorer” was to make stops at 
several of the ports of Greenland, the col- 
liers might reach Grant Land before them. 

The “ Explorer ” reached Sidney in excel- 
lent time. By this time Capt. Jones had 
had an opportunity of becoming familiar 
with the sea-going qualities of his vessel and 
was duly proud of the craft. 

“Waal,” he exclaimed in a delighted tone 
to Commander Kransen, “Ain’t she a tarna- 
tion beauty? Answers to her rudder both 
under steam and sail. If she does as well 


FROM NEW YORK TO GREENLAND 185 


in the ice-pack she’ll make a regular Arctic 
spanker.” 

Before reaching Sidney, they received by 
wireless telegraphy a dispatch from the 
Marconi Wireless station at Belle Isle, via 
New York, that the colliers had been 
sighted off the coast of Greenland steaming 
towards the north. This news was gladly 
received by Kransen and Jones. 

The route of the “Explorer” from Sid- 
ney was through the entrance to the Gulf of 
St. Lawrence, and then north along the 
coast of Newfoundland; for, Sidney, being 
situated on the northeastern coast of the 
Island of Cape Breton, it was more con- 
venient to sail through the Straits of Belle 
Isle and then make direct for the coast of 
Greenland than it would be to sail along 
Newfoundland and then north. 

The air was remarkably free from fogs, 
an unusual circumstance at this time of the 
year, so that, as they sailed along the west- 


186 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


ern coast of Newfoundland, an excellent 
view was obtained of the land. While off 
these shores, a number of wild ducks were 
seen by the boys as they stood looking at 
the Newfoundland coast. They had ob- 
served them flying in the air and occasion- 
ally seeking the water in search of food. 

“Andree,” said Eric, “ let’s get our rifles 
and see if we can wing one of them.” 

Capt. Jones, when he saw the boys com- 
ing on deck with their rifles, laughingly 
said: 

“Hope you don’t expect to shoot a duck 
at such a distance with a rifle ball, do you? 
You can never hit it. You must use a shot- 
gun so as to scatter the shot.” 

“I’ll try it just the same,” said Eric. 

Capt. Jones did not know that the lad was 
so skilful in the use of the rifle and was 
greatly surprised, as were also some of the 
sailors, when Eric, apparently without pre- 
vious intention, aiming at a bird, at a dis- 


FROM NEW YORK TO GREENLAND 187 

tance of over one hundred yards, cut off the 
head of the bird with a rifle ball. 

“A good shot, youngster,” cried Capt. 
Jones, “ but clearly a chance shot, of course, 
you could not do it again.” 

Eric did not say anything, but on the rest 
of the birds taking wing, he coolly aimed his 
repeating rifle at one of the birds of the 
flock, and killed it by a ball passing through 
its body. 

“ Bravo,” cried Capt. Jones, “ You can 
shoot all right.” 

As the birds were good sized ones and 
would make an agreeable addition to the 
table, Capt. J ones sent a boat to pick them 
up. 

“Why didn’t you shoot,” said Eric to An- 
dree. 

“I don’t shoot well enough, Eric, to hit 
a duck with a rifle ball.” 

Mr. Brown, the reporter, looked on the 
duck shooting incident as furnishing an item 


188 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


of interest for the book he was preparing 
and consequently entered it in his notes. 

The boys, anxious to see an ice-floe, asked 
Capt. Jones whether he thought it probable 
that they would soon meet one. 

“I hope not,” he replied, “but don’t 
worry yourselves, my lads, you will sartainly 
see all the ice you want, and more, before 
long.” 

Fortunately for the “Explorer” the water 
continued wonderfully free from floating 
ice, so the vessel passed outside of the 
Straits of Belle Isle and steered a general 
north-by-east course, which would bring 
them to the coast of Greenland with Cape 
Desolation abeam, and Cape Flattery on the 
starboard quarter. 

The first large iceberg was sighted near 
noon. It had the shape of an immense ob- 
long block about the height of an ordinary 
four story building, and nearly as long as 
one third of a city square. They did not 


FROM NEW YORK TO GREENLAND 189 

get near enough to study its peculiarities. 
This greatly disappointed both the boys, but 
Commander Kransen said to them. 

“ You will have plenty of opportunities of 
studying icebergs on our way north.” 

Nothing interfered with the progress of 
the “ Explorer.” She reached the coast of 
Greenland during a dense fog, which, sud- 
denly lifting, gave them an excellent view of 
the mountainous peak of Sukkertoppen, or 
Sugar Top, a name given from its resem- 
blance to a sugar loaf, the resemblance Be- 
ing increased by a covering of snow. As 
the fog lifted, they were sufficiently near to 
see the coast with its line of surf. It was a 
bleak, inhospitable land with practically no 
signs of habitation. Indeed, it looked so 
desert-like and wholly bereft of all vegeta- 
tion, that Andree, who was standing near 
his uncle when the coast first came into sight, 
exclaimed : 

“ Uncle Lars, I don’t see why they call 


190 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


this country Greenland. Do you know how 
it first got this name?” 

“I am not sure,” was the reply. “ Hayes 
called Greenland, ‘The Land of Desola- 
tion.’ I believe the name Greenland was 
given to the country by Eric the Red, of 
Iceland, who first discovered it in 986, be- 
cause it seemed so much greener than his 
own country. It is probable, however, that 
he called the country Greenland in order to 
deceive the people of Iceland and induce 
them to settle in the new country.” 

“If,” said Andree, “Greenland is really 
greener than Iceland, then Iceland must be 
a very inhospitable looking country.” 

“It is,” said his uncle. “Vegetation in 
Iceland is practically limited to small por- 
tions of the island near the coasts. But 
Greenland is a much colder country than 
Iceland, and contains more limited vegeta- 
tion. The climate of Iceland is much 
warmer than that of Greenland, because it 


FROM NEW YORK TO GREENLAND 


191 


is bathed in the waters of the Gulf Stream. 
Indeed, almost the entire surface of Green- 
land is covered with immense fields of ice 
and snow, the principal settlements being 
limited to a few points on the western coast 
where only a scanty vegetation is possible 
during the brief summer. Greenland was 
formerly believed to be a great peninsula, 
but is now generally regarded as consisting 
of an Archipelago, the narrow straits sepa- 
rating the adjacent islands being covered by 
a practically continuous ice sheet.’ ’ 

As the “ Explorer” proceeded north 
along the coast of Greenland, coming as she 
was into latitude nearer and nearer the 
Arctic circle, Eric, as well, indeed, as all the 
members of the expedition who had never 
before been in the far north, had the new 
experience of a daylight that continued 
for a much longer time than the usual 
twelve hours. This was no novelty to 
Andree, who had lived in Sweden, but as 


192 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


the vessel came farther and farther north, 
and the length of daylight increased from 
20, 21 and 23 hours out of the 24, it became 
a novel experience even for him, until 
finally they had the strange experience of the 
sun ’s continuing above the horizon day after 
day, describing a circular path in the 
heavens. 

It was difficult at first to change one’s 
habits so as to meet the requirements of a 
continual day. It seemed so odd to go to 
bed while the sun was shining brightly. 
Eight bells at midnight, so far as daylight 
was concerned, did not differ much from 
eight bells at noon, save that the mess table 
was not spread for dinner. 

Commander Kransen, who knew how 
easy it was for young people to form 
habits, insisted on the boys turning in 
not later than 10:30 P. M., so that in 
a little while they got accustomed to this 
arbitrary division of the twenty-four hours 


FROM NEW YORK TO GREENLAND 193 

of sunlight into the waking and sleeping 
hours. 

The general course of the “ Explorer’’ 
was along the western coast of Greenland. 
Godhaven, on the Island of Disco, the most 
important settlement in north Danish 
Greenland, was to be their first stopping 
place. Here arrangements had been made 
to take on a fisherman and a hunter, whose 
duty it would be to keep them, as far as pos- 
sible, supplied with fresh fish and meat dur- 
ing their sojourn in the far north. 

While off the coast of Greenland, they 
met with considerable quantities of drift 
timber as well as small quantities of float- 
ing ice, the latter, however, not being such 
as to interfere with the vessel. The drift 
timber comes from the forests of America 
and Asia, reaching the ocean through the 
rivers of these countries. Once in the 
ocean it is carried by the currents to great 
distances. For instance, the portions that 

13 


194 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


reach the Gulf Stream are carried far to 
the north, where, together with the timber 
brought by the rivers of Siberia, it collects 
along with the ice masses off the coast of 
the northern islands. Here, finally caught 
in a counter-current of the Gulf Stream, it 
is carried down the eastern coast of Green- 
land to its southern point where, by the sud- 
den change in the direction of the current, 
it is carried in a general northerly course 
up the western coast of Greenland. The 
drift timber collects in such large quantities 
in the fiords, or deep indentations on the 
coast of Greenland, that it forms a regular 
article of commerce. Drift timber has been 
found on the Greenland coast as far as 71° 
north latitude. 

The wardroom on the “ Explorer,’ ’ be- 
sides serving as the messroom, was used as 
a general assembly room for the officers of 
the party when off duty. As soon as the 
different meals were over, the steward 


FROM NEW YORK TO GREENLAND 195 


cleared the table and covered it with a 
cloth, so that it served as a reading or writ- 
ing table. The overhead skylight during 
the time the sun was shining, or a number 
of incandescent electric lamps when the sun 
was absent, gave an excellent illumination. 
Being well ventilated and heated, it formed 
a comfortable assembly room, so that, when 
off duty, the officers were generally to be 
found in this cozy space, whenever, of 
course, they were not in their cabins. An 
excellent library containing the principal 
books on Arctic explorations, as well as 
those on general physical science, had been 
selected by Prof. Kransen, for general use. 
These were sufficient in number to fill four 
shelves in a large book-case placed at one 
end of the ward-room. 

Besides the books in the general library, 
most of the commissioned and non-commis- 
sioned officers had brought their private li- 
braries. While these were small in num- 


196 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


bers, yet they greatly added to the value of 
the general library. In this way, when one 
was disposed to read up on any subject, the 
necessary books were not wanting. 


CHAPTER XI 

HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 

T HE “ Explorer’ ’ was now sailing to- 
ward Godhaven, on the Island of 
Disco. As the vessel entered Disco Bay, 
and was approaching the town, two officers 
of the Royal Danish Government came on 
board, and, inquiring for the commander, 
handed him a copy of the following notice 
printed both in Danish and English. 

NOTICE TO MARINERS IN THE DAVIS 
STRAITS. 

“The Board of Directors of the Royal Greenland 
Trade make known : 

“1. It is agreed by treaties between the Royal Dan- 
ish Government and the United States of America, 
Great Britain, and other States that the west coast of 
Greenland, between lat. 60° and 73° to be closed for 
197 


198 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


navigation of foreign ships and Danish ships, except 
by special permission of the Royal Danish Govern- 
ment, by whom the monopoly of trade with Greenland 
is held. 

“2. Pursuant to the laws in force, any ship navi- 
gating without permission on the west coast of Green- 
land may be seized, wherever met with, and the ship 
and goods be confiscated. Similar punishment may 
be applied if any person or persons be found trading 
with the Greenlanders or Danish colonists from a ship 
lying in a port of Greenland or off the coast. 

4 ‘3. Shipmasters compelled by shipwreck or other 
causes to seek port in Greenland shall not remain in 
port longer than necessary. Shipmasters shall also 
be responsible for their crews not remaining on shore 
without necessity or in any way trading with the na- 
tives, with whom all intercourse is altogether pro- 
hibited. 

‘ ‘4. The object of prohibiting the navigation of the 
west coast of Greenland and of maintaining the mo- 
nopoly of trade is to protect the native population of 
Greenland. This population will be threatened with 
ruin if contagious diseases be brought into the coun- 
try, or if spirituous liquors or other similar articles 
be imported. The Board will therefore, be obliged to 
demand that the order prohibiting the navigation of 
Greenland in every way be respected in case the crew 
of any ship should not strictly abstain from all inter- 
course with the native population. 

Copenhagen, May 8th, 1884. ’ * 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 


199 


Commander Kransen, who was, of course, 
aware of this treaty, had been furnished by 
Mr. Henderson with a letter from the Royal 
Danish Government, not only permitting the 
“ Explorer” to sail the coast of Greenland, 
and to trade with the inhabitants, but also 
instructing the Local Government to do all 
in their power to forward the object of the 
Henderson-Kransen North Polar Expedi- 
tion. On reading this letter, which was 
signed by one of the highest officials of the 
Danish Government, the local officials at 
once became most friendly, requesting 
Kransen to let them know anything they 
would like to have done for them. 

Kransen told them that he expected to get 
his dog teams from the town, as well as to 
take with them on the expedition, two of the 
inhabitants as their fisherman and hunter; 
that they were anxious to obtain the best dogs 
that could be purchased, and had already 
written requesting that as great a number 


200 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


of dogs as possible, should be ready for in- 
spection and selection on their arrival. He 
also informed them that they wished to take 
one of the Eskimo inhabitants in order to 
take charge of the dog team. These ar- 
rangements being satisfactorily completed, 
the “ Explorer” proceeded toward the town 
and anchored near the shore. 

Godhaven is situated on the southern 
coast of the Island of Disco, or, more cor- 
rectly speaking, at the end of a small penin- 
sula ; for, the old Island of Disco is now con- 
nected with the mainland by a long sandbar. 
The town has an excellent harbor of the 
landlocked type, being almost completely 
surrounded by continuous land. Snow 
clad mountains, some three thousand feet in 
height, lie on the north. During the brief 
summer there is a growth of lichens and 
mosses sufficient to give a slight greenish 
tint to these mountain slopes. Several 
glaciers descend from the mountains into 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 


201 


the deep water of the harbor. As the 
slowly moving ice masses reach the deep 
water of the bay they become detached and 
form icebergs, a number of which were seen 
in the northern part of the harbor. 

As soon as the vessel was anchored, Com- 
mander Kransen and Capt. Jones made an 
official visit to the house of the Danish In- 
spector or Governor, delivering to him the 
letter that they had shown to the officials in 
the harbor. The chief inspector received 
them courteously, offering to do all in 
his power to help them in obtaining the 
dogs as well as an additional supply of furs 
for clothing. On learning that they ex- 
pected to obtain their dogs from the town, 
he informed them that there had already 
been collected there a number of valuable 
dogs which were probably those referred to. 
He pointed out the general direction of the 
kennels and promised to join them in a 
short time. 


202 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


They found the hunter and fisherman, 
who were to join the expedition, waiting for 
them outside the inspector’s house. They 
were strong, intelligent looking men, the 
hunter’s name being Hans Minnemann, and 
the fishermen’s, Heinrich Krandemann. 
Both were natives of Denmark, but having 
spent much of their lives in Greenland, 
were familiar with the Eskimo language 
and could therefore also act as interpreters. 
On learning that the “ Explorer” would re- 
main in the harbor for the entire day, they 
asked permission to fish for halibut and cod, 
which they declared could at that time of 
the year generally be caught in large num- 
bers in the water of the bay. Kransen will- 
ingly gave them permission. 

“Capt. Jones,” he said, “it is an excel- 
lent opportunity to add a supply of halibut 
and cod to the ship’s stores. Take Minne- 
mann and Krandemann to the vessel and 
have them sign the papers. Assign them 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 


203 


quarters in the forecastle, and then provide 
them with two boats and a crew to take 
them to the fishing grounds. Pick out for 
this purpose men accustomed to fishing and 
see that they all have lines and the neces- 
sary bait. It will be a pleasant change for 
the men.” 

Kransen knew that the success of the ex- 
pedition might largely depend on the effi- 
ciency of the dog teams. He, therefore, ap- 
preciated the importance of obtaining prop- 
erly bred and trained dogs. On leaving 
Capt. Jones, he went directly to examine 
the dogs, accompanied by Dr. Hanscombe, 
Andree and Eric, who had joined him. 
They needed no directions as to the loca- 
tion of the kennels since an almost inde- 
scribable series of howls, yells and bark- 
ings, came from the many dogs that had 
been collected from different parts of the 
country. These dogs were not yet suffi- 
ciently acquainted to live peaceably to- 


204 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


gether, or more probable, there had not 
yet been a sufficient number of fights to de- 
termine which dog was to boss the others. 
Then again, their Eskimo keeper had not 
yet established his authority over them. 
As a result of the fighting, several of the 
dogs had been considerably torn, while one 
had been so set upon by the others, that it 
had been necessary to kill it since it was im- 
possible to cure. 

The Dane, who had selected the dogs in 
accordance with the instructions he had re- 
ceived from Kransen, was waiting at the 
kennels. He approached them and said in 
fairly good English: 

“I have for you a fine lot of dogs obtained 
and hope they will please.’ ’ 

“They look like fine animals,” said Kran- 
sen, “ although they are yet very savage. 
Are they all in good condition?” 

“Yes,” was the reply. “I have this cer- 
tificate as to their condition received after 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 


205 


inspection/’ handing the Commander the 
certificate. 

After carefully reading it, Kransen, 
pointing to J oe, said : 

“Is this the man who is to take charge of 
the dogs, and is to go with us on the expedi- 
tion?” 

“That’s the man,” was the reply. “He 
wishes to go and I think you will find him 
honest and reliable. He thoroughly under- 
stands dogs and knows how to train them, 
as well as to care for them when sick.” 

“Ask him to come here,” said Kransen. 

“Joe, come and speak to the gentleman,” 
said the man in the Eskimo tongue. 

Joe came up to the party with a good- 
natured grin on his face. 

“Well, Joe,” inquired Kransen in Eng- 
lish, “are you willing to go with us to take 
charge of the dog teams? We will pay you 
good wages, and give you plenty to eat.” 
The generous offer was met with a blank 


206 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


look. The man merely grinned, and shook 
his head that he did not understand. 

Without waiting for the Dane to inter- 
pret his words, Kransen pointed to the man, 
the dogs, and the ship, which was to be seen 
from this point, and then holding a piece 
of money in his hand, and tapping his stom- 
ach and pointing to his mouth, to indicate 
food, waited the answer of the man. 

The man appeared to understand at least 
a part of the question asked him and nodded 
his head to indicate yes. 

Kransen then turned to the Dane, and 
asked him to explain to Joe exactly what 
was expected of him and the wages he 
would receive. 

After some little talk, it appeared that 
the man was not only willing but anxious to 
join the expedition. Arrangements were 
therefore made that Joe should be engaged 
and take such of the dogs as they would 
select, to the vessel. 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 


207 


It may be mentioned here as showing the 
care taken by the Danish Government, for 
its subjects, that neither the fisherman, 
the hunter, nor the Eskimo was permitted to 
leave the country until Kransen had agreed 
to land them at Godhaven on the return of 
the expedition, should any of them so de- 
sire. 

Both Kransen and Hanscombe made a 
careful examination of the dogs, in which 
work they were aided by the chief govern- 
ment official, who had since joined them. 

The dogs, although of great variety,, 
could be divided into three groups; i.e., 
Newfoundland dogs, the Eskimo dogs that 
are generally employed for sledging in 
North Greenland, and the Eskimo dogs that 
are employed for sledging in South Green- 
land. The Eskimo dogs lacked the kind, 
intelligent faces of the Newfoundland dogs. 
They were, generally speaking, cowardly, 
sneaking animals, and had already thor- 


208 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


oughly established their character as thieves 
and fighters. Moreover, they were will- 
ing to take an unfair advantage of any 
accident that might occur to one of their 
number, being ready, under these circum- 
stances, not only to steal the food of the 
weaker animals, but even at times to devour 
them. 

“They still closely resemble their remote 
ancestors, the wolves and jackals,” re- 
marked Hanscombe. 

“What do you mean, Uncle Horace,” in- 
quired Eric, “have these dogs descended 
from wolves and jackals'?” 

“While not certain, Eric,” was the reply, 
“it is now generally believed that all va- 
rieties of dogs have resulted from the cross- 
ing of different extinct and living species of 
wolves and jackals. It is for this reason 
that dogs are naturally carnivorous animals, 
although, as is well known, they can live 
on vegetable foods.” 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 


209 


A marked difference existed between the 
Newfoundland and Eskimo dogs of the 
pack. The Eskimo dog is only of medium 
size ; it has a tail that curves upwards, and 
pointed ears which also curve upwards. 
The skull is broad ; the fur of the animal is 
long and straight and is of various colors. 
The Newfoundland dog, on the contrary, is 
much larger than the Eskimo dog and has 
a long, slightly curved tail. The ears are 
short and drooping. Their fur is long and 
flat, and usually of a black color, but is 
sometimes pure white. 

Some idea of the meanness, as well as the 
ferocity of the Eskimo dogs, especially those 
that came from the extreme north of Green- 
land, may be seen from a statement made 
by Dr. Bessels, of the Polaris North Polar 
Expedition. “An Eskimo dog had just 
been delivered of her litter of puppies. No 
sooner had the young ones been born than 
they were eaten alive by the other dogs of 

14 


210 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


the pack, and then, taking advantage of the 
weakened condition of the mother, the 
brutes began to devour her, tearing the poor 
animal to pieces and swallowing her while 
partly alive.’ ’ 

After a careful examination of the dogs, 
some forty were selected and delivered over 
to Joe for transportation to the vessel. 

Before Joe left for the ship he beckoned 
to the boys, making signals for them to 
follow him to a distant kennel that was com- 
pletely shut off from the others. Seeing 
that the boys were uncertain whether to go 
or not, the Inspector, after a short conver- 
sation with Joe, remarked to the boys: 

“ Joe wishes to show you something. Go 
with him, it may be that you will be inter- 
ested.” 

The boys, together with Commander 
Kransen and Dr. Hanscombe, followed Joe, 
who showed them two magnificent New- 
foundland dogs of an unusually large size. 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 


211 


One of them, the male, was nearly a pure 
black, while the other, the female, was 
snow-white except the tip of her tail, which 
was jet black. Both the Inspector and the 
man who had collected the dogs together 
followed the party to the kennel. 

“Ask Joe what he intends to do with 
these animals, and how they were injured,” 
inquired the boys, for they saw at once that 
although the animals were in splendid con- 
dition otherwise, they had met with a severe 
accident, one of the front and one of the 
hind legs of the female dog, and one of the 
front legs of the male dog having been 
broken and severely bruised. The injured 
legs were greatly swollen, and were giving 
the poor animals severe pain. 

The Inspector put the question to J oe and 
turning to the boys said : 

“Joe says he must kill the dogs tonight. 
They were injured by a heavy bowlder fall- 
ing on them while on one of the glaciers in 


212 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


the neighborhood. They belong to Joe, 
who wanted to sell them to me, but, al- 
though they are magnificent animals, the 
best, indeed, that I have ever seen in this 
part of the country, I cannot take care of 
them, so that it is best that Joe should kill 
them, since he must leave them when he 
goes on board the ship.” 

The intelligent animals seemed to under- 
stand what was being said, for they dragged 
themselves to the feet of the two boys, look- 
ing at them earnestly with their beautiful 
eyes, uttered a low whining cry as if claim- 
ing their protection, at the same time, en- 
deavoring to lick their hands. 

“Poor beasts,” said Eric. “Uncle Hor- 
ace, cannot the bones of these animals be 
set?” 

The Doctor made an examination of the 
legs of the dogs, which appeared thoroughly 
to understand what was being done, for al- 
though this examination must have given 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 


213 


them considerable pain, they made no out- 
cry or effort to escape. 

“Yes,” said the Doctor, after this ex- 
amination, “I am sure these bones can be 
set, so that the animals will have as good 
use of their legs as they ever had.” 

“Please let us take these animals with 
us,” said the boys to their uncles, “and each 
of us will have a dog. We will take care of 
them until they are well.” 

“What do you say, Kransen?” inquired 
the doctor, “have you any objections?” 

“None at all,” was the reply, “on the con- 
trary, they are magnificent specimens of 
Newfoundland dogs, and can be employed 
for breeding dogs for our use in the far 
north,” then turning to the boys he said: 
“Each of you can take one of these dogs, so 
make your pick and name the animals.” 

The boys were delighted at the consent 
thus given. Eric, with his customary unsel- 
fishness of disposition, insisted on Andree, 


214 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


being the elder, taking first choice. Andree 
chose the male or black dog and said : 

“I will call him Hector.” 

The white female thus fell to Eric and 
was called by him, Snowflake. 

“ Andree,” said Eric, smiling, “if I had 
had the first choice I should have taken 
Snowflake.” 

“Then,” said Andree, “I am glad I made 
the choice I did.” 

Dr. Hanscombe sent to the vessel for 
splints and bandages, and, after no little 
trouble, succeeded in setting the bones of 
the animals and in dressing their wounds. 
During the operation the dogs submitted 
without struggles or howlings, only uttering 
low moans occasionally. Joe, who was es- 
pecially pleased that the* dogs would not have 
to be killed, refused to sell them to the boys, 
saying that he would make them a present 
of the animals. As soon as Dr. Hanscombe 
was through, the boys helped Joe in carry- 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 


215 


in g the dogs to the boat from which they 
were taken on board the ship and placed in 
a warm, comfortable place. Shortly after- 
ward, Andree and Eric gladdened Joe by a 
present of a splendid, four-bladed pocket 
knife. 

It may be said here that in due time the 
bones rapidly knit together, the bruises 
healed, the animals completely regaining 
the use of their legs. The boys spent so 
much time in feeding and petting the ani- 
mals, that they soon became greatly attached 
to their masters. Indeed, they became gen- 
eral favorites of the officers, and frequently 
visited the wardroom under careful restric- 
tions. This favoritism was resented by the 
rest of the pack, and on one or two oc- 
casions, after the dogs had recovered, 
vicious attacks were made on them by three 
or four animals of the Eskimo pack, but 
Hector and Snowflake soon convinced the 
Eskimo dogs that they could take care of 


216 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

themselves. Moreover, the rest of the New- 
foundland dogs in the pack invariably took 
sides with Hector and Snowflake when on 
several occasions they were attacked simul- 
taneously by more than a dozen of the Es- 
kimo dogs. 

When the two boats returned with Minne- 
mann and Krandemann, from the fishing ex- 
pedition, it w r as found that they had been 
unusually successful, having taken five hali- 
but, four of which weighed four hundred 
pounds each, while the remainder weighed 
at least five hundred pounds, thus provid- 
ing nearly a ton of this excellent food fish. 
They had also caught a hundred codfish, the 
average weight of which was in the neigh- 
borhood of 50 pounds each. As the men ex- 
plained to Commander Kransen this was a 
very unusual catch, since the taking of a 
single halibut was generally regarded as a 
good day’s fishing. They could not have 
caught so many had it not been that most of 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 


217 


the men from the ship had had considerable 
experience in fishing in Arctic waters. 

After leaving Godhaven, the “ Explorer’ ’ 
proceeded on her course to Uppernavik, at 
lat. 74° N. on the west coast of Greenland, 
where they took on board some additional 
supplies. 

From the day Andree and Eric accepted 
their appointments as assistant reporters 
they were diligent in drawing up reports 
for Mr. Brown. They found the work the 
reporter required of them far from being 
onerous. On the contrary, it was of a very 
pleasant character. Under Mr. Brown’s 
skilled training, both boys were rapidly im- 
proving in their ability to express their 
thoughts in terse and vigorous English. 
From the very nature of their work they 
soon became skilled and careful observers 
of what was constantly taking place around 
them. 

The reporter expected them to prepare 


218 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

for him clear accounts of all new occur- 
rences. Like those of most young writers, 
the reports were at first unsatisfactory, 
either because they were expressed in too 
many words, or because they contained un- 
necessary details. 

On being handed to Mr. Brown the re- 
ports were subjected to a process he called 
“blue-penciling.” This consisted in his go- 
ing over the notes with a blue pencil, ruth- 
lessly crossing off superfluous words and 
cutting out such portions as in his judg- 
ment would fail to interest the readers for 
whom they were intended. He especially 
cut out such phrases as “Ever since that 
time,” replacing it by the word, “after- 
wards,’ or the phrase, “it was for this rea- 
son” by the word “therefore.” All blue- 
penciled reports had to be re-written, when 
in many instances, they were again blue- 
penciled, and again re-written. Sometimes 
as many as four or five successive reports 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 


219 


had to be prepared before they would sat- 
isfy him. Before long, however, the boys 
were able to prepare reports that required 
perhaps but a single blue-pencil mark, or, 
indeed, reports that passed on first reading. 

As a sample of the work the boys pre- 
pared for the reporter-in-chief, may be 
mentioned the driftwood or floating timber, 
which the vessel frequently passed, while 
sailing off the coast of Greenland, or which, 
when the weather was clear, and they were 
very near the coast, they could see by means 
of a field glass, collected, along with the 
floating ice, in great quantities in the deep 
inlets or fiords of the coast. Such reports 
embraced : 

The date and hour when seen ; the number 
and sizes of the pieces of timber, together 
with a brief statement accompanying the 
first report on floating timber, as to the 
source from which the timber was derived. 

The reporter encouraged the boys to read 


220 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


the books in the library concerning the set 
of phenomena they were describing. 

Of course, dogs furnished the subject 
matter for a report from the boys. After 
a careful reading of the various books con- 
tained in the library, including a number of 
the latest encyclopedia, the following report 
was handed in as to the different classes 
into which dogs may be divided. This clas- 
sification, based mainly on the work of 
Hamilton Smith, was briefly as follows: 

Classification of Dogs. 

(1) Wolf-dogs, such as Newfoundland, 
Eskimo, St. Bernard, and Shepherd dogs. 

(2) Watch-dogs and cattle-dogs, such as 
the German Boar-hound, the Great Danes. 

(3) Greyhounds, such as Irish hounds, 
etc. 

(4) Hounds, such as the Bloodhounds, 
Staghounds, Foxhounds, Setters, Pointers, 
Spaniels, etc. 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 


221 


(5) Curs, such as Terriers, etc. 

(6) Mastiffs, such as Bulldogs, Pug- 
dogs, etc. 

Another splendid opportunity for the 
hoys to increase their store of natural 
knowledge was afforded by the meteorologi- 
cal studies of Prof. Kransen and Dr. Hans- 
combe, both of whom were accomplished 
students in this great branch of geographi- 
cal physics. Whenever possible, these gen- 
tlemen made, daily, at fixed hours, such me- 
teorological observations as could readily 
be taken during the sailing of the vessel. 
These included the temperature of the at- 
mosphere as observed both by mercurial 
and alcoholic thermometers. Then again 
the pressure of the atmosphere was ob- 
served either by means of mercurial barom- 
eter, or by the aneroid barometers contain- 
ing no liquid. The boys soon learned to 
take the readings of these instruments accu- 
rately, as well as to make the necessary cor- 


222 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


rections for the differences in the tempera- 
ture where the mercurial instrument was 
used and for differences in the force of 
gravitation where the aneroid barometers 
were employed. The observations of at- 
mospheric pressure were especially numer- 
ous near the lat. of 60° 1ST., where, as Prof. 
Kransen explained, there was a zone in 
which the barometric pressure was apt to be 
high and the variations great. 

Observations of the amount of moisture 
in the air are generally made by instru-' 
ments called the wet- and the dry-bulb hy- 
grometers. These observations are based 
on the difference in the rapidity of evapora- 
tion of water in relatively dry air and in 
relatively moist air. The wet- and the dry- 
bulb hygrometers, however, would be com- 
paratively useless for most of the time in 
the Arctic regions, from the freezing of the 
water. It was, therefore, necessary to de- 
termine the relative moisture of the air by 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 223 

drawing a given volume of air through a jar 
containing some substance like calcium chlo- 
ride that possesses the power of absorbing 
moisture, the amount present in the air be- 
ing determined by the increase in the weight 
of the vessel containing the calcium chlo- 
ride, before and after the passage of the air 
through it. 

Instruments, called anemometers, or wind 
gauges, were employed for determining the 
average velocity of the air. Observations 
of changes in the direction of the wind, as 
indicated by the movements of the clouds, 
were also made as well as of changes in the 
temperature of the air accompanying 
changes in the winds. 

But it will not be possible to give any fur- 
ther account of the meteorological observa- 
tions of the instruments employed for mak- 
ing them, nor of the important studies that 
were made afterwards of the general direc- 
tion of the ocean currents, of the varying 


224 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


depths and temperatures of the oceanic 
waters, of the movements of the tides, of 
the varying quantities of salt present in a 
pint of ocean water and other oceanic phe- 
nomena. 

With all these duties, there was little op- 
portunity for either of the boys, or, indeed, 
any of the other members of the expedition, 
to become weary from having nothing to do. 
On the contrary, all found that the time 
passed rapidly and, therefore, pleasantly. 
Each of the different officers or specialists 
had plenty to keep him busy in the prepara- 
tion of the various apparatus that he was 
obliged to use from time to time. For ex- 
ample, Charles Thomas, the chief electri- 
cian, was busy in the sending and receiving 
wireless telegraphic messages to and from 
New York City, and in maintaining the ad- 
justment of the apparatus so as to ensure 
the best operation. 

Anders Jennsen, the chief mechanician, 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 


225 


was busy in getting the various pieces of 
apparatus ready for operation, or in repair- 
ing the delicate mechanism of appara- 
tus that had already been used. His assist- 
ant was overhauling the balloons so that the 
machine shop or work room on board the 
vessel was always a busy place and one that 
both boys liked to visit. 

Doctor Stone, a young doctor, who had 
been taken as assistant to Dr. Hanscombe, 
found as yet little to do. Being, however, 
a well educated man, he was glad of the op- 
portunity he had of studying natural his- 
tory, in which he was especially interested, 
' so that he made many interesting studies of 
birds, fish, insects, and algae generally. He 
was a skilled taxidermist, and mounted nu- 
merous birds, etc., for museums and similar 
places. Eric’s skill with the rifle enabled 
him to secure many specimens for these 
studies. 

Shortly after the sailing of the vessel, 

15 


226 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


Andree made a discovery which greatly de- 
lighted him; he found that one of the as- 
sistant electricians, who had been placed in 
charge of the storage batteries, and of the 
means for the production of large quanti- 
ties of the hydrogen gas that was to be em- 
ployed for the inflation of balloons, was 
well posted in chemistry and had been pro- 
vided with an excellent chemical labora- 
tory. It is needless to say that this gentle- 
man and Andree soon became fast friends, 
and that Andree, as well as Eric, was a 
frequent visitor to the laboratory. Of 
course, owing to the great danger of fire 
breaking out in a wooden vessel, every pre- 
caution was taken in the chemical and elec- 
trical laboratories, as well as in other places, 
to prevent the accidental starting of a dan- 
gerous fire. 

There was another part of the vessel that 
both Eric and Andree frequently visited; 
this was the cook’s galley. The cook was 


HECTOR AND SNOWFLAKE 


227 


a good natured negro named Caesar.' The 
boys were excellent company and Caesar 
liked to have them with him. On their 
part, the boys were always pleased to come, 
since, like all healthy, growing boys, they 
were not unlike Oliver Twist, in being al- 
ways ready for “more” in the shape of 
food. To ensure their frequent visits, 
Caesar was careful to have ready for them 
some appetizing morsel in the shape of a 
piece of cake or a tart. 


CHAPTER XII 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 

T HE “ Explorer” left Upernavik the 
next day. Although some drift ice 
had been seen, and ice-floes had been for 
some time visible on the larboard quarter, 
yet, so far, they had not experienced any 
difficulty from this source, which is justly 
regarded as the great danger to which the 
Arctic explorer is exposed ; for, when a ves- 
sel once becomes entangled in an ice-floe, 
there is practically nothing to do, but to 
wait until the ice breaks up, unless, indeed, 
the vessel has sufficient steam power to ram 
its way through the mass, and is, at the 
same time, sufficiently strong to be able 
to withstand such rough usage. 

Davis Strait and Baffin Bay are large 
228 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 


229 


bodies of water lying between the western 
coast of Greenland and the eastern coast of 
northern North America. Davis Strait, 
the body of water connecting Baffin Bay 
with the Atlantic Ocean, it about 200 miles 
across at its narrowest part. Both bodies 
of water, especially Baffin Bay, are almost 
continually filled with floating ice masses 
or floes. On the eastern and western mar- 
gins of the floe, there are more or less open 
channels that are navigable during certain 
seasons of the year. During winter, the ice 
masses are fixed and apparently motionless. 
In the early summer they begin slowly mov- 
ing towards the south. Here and there 
openings or passages occur, through which 
vessels may succeed in passing from the 
western coast of Greenland to the west- 
ern coast of North America. These open- 
ings are known as “ passages,” and can gen- 
erally be divided into three; namely, the 
southern passage, or any passage situ- 


230 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


ated south of latitude 60° N. ; the middle 
passage, or that lying between 68° and 
74° N., and the northern passage, or that 
lying generally north of 74° N. 

The middle passage is, by far, the most 
dangerous, and is seldom attempted, except 
by whalers and fishers, who are too late in 
the year to reach their fishing grounds on 
the western side of the channel, by means of 
the northern passage. The middle passage 
was once tried by Parry, who entered it on 
the 21st of July, 1819, safely emerging from 
it on the 28th of July. On a subsequent voy- 
age, however, he was less fortunate, enter- 
ing the ice in July, 1824, but was forced 
after a delay of many weeks to turn the 
course of his vessel north,, when he did not 
succeed in reaching the open water on the 
western coast until the 9th of September. 

Since it had been determined to winter 
on the extreme northern portion of Grant 
Land, the course of the vessel lay along the 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 


231 


western coast of Greenland as far as the 
neighborhood of Melville Bay, where they 
intended to take the northern passage, and 
thus cross over to the western side of the 
channel through what is called the “ north 
water. ’ ’ Then, proceeding along the eastern 
shores of North Lincoln Land, Ellesmere 
Land and Grinnel Land to the northern 
point of Grant Land, to their winter quar- 
ters. To do this the vessel must pass 
through Smith Sound, between Prudliue 
Land and Ellesmere Land, through Ken- 
nedy Channel, between Washington Land 
and Grinnel Land, and, finally, through 
Robeson Channel, between Hall Land and 
Grant Land. 

Capt. Jones, whose previous experience 
was of great value, was greatly pleased at 
having thus far escaped the ice pack, assur- 
ing Commander Kransen that never in his 
Arctic voyages had he known the eastern 
channel to be so free from floating ice. 


232 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“Of course,’ ’ he added, “ we must expect 
to meet the ice pack before long.” 

It was noon of the day the “Explorer” 
had left the harbor of Upernavik. A dense 
fog had set in about ten o’clock in the morn- 
ing that rendered navigation dangerous by 
reason of a number of icebergs that were 
seen towards the north in the early morn- 
ing. Capt. Jones, therefore, slowed down 
the speed of the vessel to but a few knots an 
hour. Lookouts were stationed at the bow- 
sprit and on the foremast to give warning 
of the approach of icebergs. 

By noon, the fog had grown so dense that 
it was difficult to see the man on the bow- 
sprit. Suddenly the lookout in this part of 
the vessel shouted: 

“Iceberg on the starboard quarter!” 

“Hard a port,” cried Capt. Jones, in- 
stantly signalling by bell to stop and reverse 
the engine. 

As the vessel promptly answered to the 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 


233 


change in her rudder, there suddenly came 
looming into view an immense iceberg that 
almost grazed the vessel’s bow, as it slowly 
and majestically moved past them towards 
the south. 

“That was a close shave,” said Capt. 
J ones, coolly x to Kransen, who was standing 
next to him on the bridge. 

Kransen made no remark, though it was 
evident that he quite agreed with the chief 
navigator. 

Five minutes afterwards the lookout on 
the bowsprit suddenly called out: 

“Iceberg on the larboard quarter!” 

“Hard a lee,” cried Capt. Jones, again 
ringing the bell for stopping and reversing 
the engine. 

Again the vessel barely escaped the huge 
iceberg that suddenly loomed into sight and 
gradually disappeared as it slowly drifted 
past them to the south. 

Capt. Jones’ face showed great anxiety, 


234 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


for the vessel was unquestionably in a very 
dangerous position. During the next fifteen 
minutes they met with no less than four ad- 
ditional icebergs, which, as before, they es- 
caped only by reason of the good work done 
by the lookouts. 

The Captain concealed his anxiety, 
merely crying out to the men in the look- 
outs. 

“Keep a sharp lookout there, my heart- 
ies.” 

“Aye, aye, sir,” was the reply. 

Fortunately, towards one o’clock the fog 
suddenly lifted, showing a grand, and yet 
at the same time a terrifying sight. The 
“Explorer” was literally surrounded by 
huge icebergs, while a still greater number 
were slowly moving towards them from the 
north. They had already passed nearly a 
hundred bergs. The waters, however, were 
still comparatively free from floating ice, so 
that there being now plenty of light, there 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 


235 


was but little difficulty in steering the vessel 
out of their road. A full pressure of steam 
was maintained in the boilers so that the 
speed of the vessel might almost instantly be 
increased to her maximum should the occa- 
sion demand. There was only required 
good seamanship on the part of Capt. Jones 
to avoid these floating dangers, nevertheless 
they occasioned great anxiety to Kransen 
and the other officers. 

The vessel had many exciting experi- 
ences. In one case there were two im- 
mense icebergs separated from each other 
by a channel of water so wide that it ap- 
peared to be much safer to pass between 
them than to attempt to steam around them, 
but when the vessel had passed about half 
through the channel, the bergs suddenly 
changed their directions and apparently be- 
gan to move towards each other, the smaller 
berg moving more rapidly than the larger 
one, giving the appearance of the two ap- 


236 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


proaching each other by moving in opposite 
directions. The bergs were quite large, so 
that a distance of nearly a thousand feet 
remained for the vessel to reach safety. 
The channel was rapidly becoming nar- 
rower and narrower, and it looked as 
though the vessel would be crushed between 
the two ice masses. 

Capt. Jones, however, kept his nerve, 
signalling for the engineer to go ahead at 
full speed, and issuing orders to the helms- 
man to change the course of the vessel from 
time to time, as she was passing through the 
curves in the rapidly narrowing channel. 
It was an exciting moment, this race be- 
tween the puny power of the steam engine, 
and the immense force of the unseen ocean 
currents, that were acting on the submerged 
areas of the icebergs; but the intelligence 
of man conquered. The stern of the vessel 
passed out of the channel just as the smaller 
berg was thrown with immense force 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 


237 


against the larger berg. The shock was so) 
great that the vessel was tossed to one side 
by the waves that were formed, and small 
particles of ice actually fell on the deck, 
from the small everhanging masses of the 
larger berg. 

4 4 Where would we have been,” said 
Kransen, when this dangerous passage had 
been safely made, 4 4 if we had only carried 
sails, for not only would our speed have 
been too slow, even if we succeeded in ob- 
taining the full force of the wind, but we 
would, in all probability, have had the wind 
more or less cut off by the huge walls of the 
bergs.” 

44 I reckon,” said Capt. Jones, 44 that we 
would, by this time, have been on our way 
to Davy Jones’ Locker. By the way, Com- 
mander,” he added, 4 4 that Davy Jones is no 
relation of mine, and I calculate I shall not 
be obliged to call on him during the Hen- 
derson-Kransen North Polar Expedition.” 


238 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“I -trust, indeed, that you will not,” said 
Kransen. Eric secured a piece of the ice 
that fell from the iceberg. Although he had 
seen icebergs before on the trip, and had 
been very near to them, yet he had never 
had an opportunity of examining this ice. 
It was very clear, and was quite free from 
air bubbles. On tasting it he found that it 
was quite free from salt. 

“You didn’t expect to find it salty, did 
you?” asked Andree. 

“No,” said Eric, “I know that icebergs 
are parts of land ice or glaciers, that are 
formed from the snow that falls on the 
mountain and afterwards become com- 
pacted by the snow slowly moving down the 
sides. I have never before, however, had 
an opportunity of tasting and so I tried the 
experiment. ’ ’ 

“That’s right,” said Mr. Brown, who was 
standing near them. “Let me have a taste, 
and we will write up this fact in the report 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 


239 


that we shall make of our thrilling escape 
from being ground into splinters between 
two immense icebergs.’ ’ 

“Let me have a bite, too,” said Andree, 
“so I can say I tasted it.” 

The reporter-in-chief was in his element. 
The graver the danger the more hugely he 
enjoyed the opportunities afforded for what 
he called a thrilling or exciting write-up. 
He had, of course, along with the other 
members of the expedition, been on deck 
from the time of the setting in of the fog, 
and was taking copious notes of all that had 
been going on. When, however, the fog 
lifted and the photographer of the expedi- 
tion began taking photographs of the more 
remarkable of the bergs, he gave especial 
care to the notes he took of those that were 
being photographed, obtaining from the 
photographer the exposure numbers so that 
there would be no difficulty in afterwards 
distinguishing them. 


240 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


As the vessel passed the different ice- 
bergs, splendid opportunity was given to ob- 
serve their peculiarities. As the dimen- 
sions of the vessel were well known, it was 
easy to make rude estimates of the height 
of the bergs by comparing them with the 
height of the masts, as well as the length 
and breadth of the bergs, by comparing 
them with the length and breadth of the 
vessel from her stern posts to her bowsprit. 
In this way they found that many of the 
bergs had a height of 200 feet or more, and, 
in some cases, a length of not less than 2000 
feet. When it is remembered that by far 
the greater portion of the iceberg is out of 
sight under the water, some idea may be 
formed of the immense amount of ice in 
each of these floating masses. 

The icebergs differed greatly in their 
shapes. Some resembled symmetrical blocks 
of stone with nearly vertical sides, the tops 
being either flat, or presenting an uneven 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 


241 


appearance with hills and valleys, not unlike 
parts of the surface of the earth. Others 
through unequal melting, assumed the most 
grotesque and fantastic forms. Dr. Hans- 
combe, who was standing near the boys, 
Prof. Kransen being still on the bridge with 
Capt. Jones, told them that the block- 
shaped bergs were those that had recently 
become detached from the end of the gla- 
cier where it had moved down the glacial 
valley into the deep waters of the ocean. 
The splitting of the ice as the successive 
masses were detached accounting for the 
straight, more or less vertical sides. 

While Dr. Hanscombe had gone off to 
another part of the vessel to give instruc- 
tions to Dr. Stone, who was engaged in 
making some meteorological observations, 
Eric and Andree continued looking at the 
passing bergs, noting their odd and curious 
forms. The oddly shaped bergs were al- 
most invariably the older bergs, that had 
16 


242 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


been subjected to long and continual melt- 
ing, both from the air and from the waters 
in which they were submerged. Some of 
the icebergs presented the appearance of 
natural bridges, others of grotesque archi- 
tectural structures, with castellated turrets 
provided in some instances with what 
roughly resembled spiral stair-cases. In 
some cases, the waves, dashing against one 
side of the berg, had dissolved large por- 
tions of the clearer ice below, leaving the 
upper ice projecting far over the side. In 
a few instances, long, slender icicles hung 
from these projections, and shining bright- 
ly in the sun light, displayed prismatic col- 
ors that greatly added to the beauty and 
grandeur of the spectacle. 

Andree, who had been carefully watching 
the bergs and endeavoring to study their ap- 
pearance, said to Eric : 

‘ ‘Eric, do you notice that these bergs are 
of three different colors, a dazzling white, 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 


243 


a deep blue, and a yellowish or dirt color? 
I wonder what the reason for this is.” 

“I don’t know,” said Eric, “and I don’t 
think it would be right for us to speak to 
any of the gentlemen just now, for you see 
they are all busy observing them and mak- 
ing notes.” 

“Well then,” said Andree, “let us keep 
our eyes wide open and see if we can find 
out for ourselves.” 

As already mentioned, icebergs are 
formed by the accumulation of snow in 
mountain valleys, where the temperature of 
the air only falls below the melting point 
for a short time during the warmer days 
of summer. As the snow mass accumu- 
lates in the higher mountain ^alleys, its in- 
creasing weight causes it slowly to move 
down the side of the mountain. During 
this motion as it enters the lower regions, 
it is subjected to alternate thawings and 
freezings, which together with the enor- 


244 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


mous pressure to which it is subjected, by 
the weight of the mass above it, causes the 
air that is always present in the snow to 
be more or less completely pressed out of 
the mass, and changes it into a wonderfully 
clear, blue ice that differs markedly from 
the ice that has been formed on the surface 
of water in the absence of air bubbles. But 
it is only the ice in the lower part of the 
glacier that is clear and transparent. The 
upper ice retains, to a great extent, its 
snowy structure and shines in the sunlight 
with a bright, dazzling light. 

“Look at that dazzling white iceberg,” 
said Eric, as a huge mass of ice passed close 
to the vessel. On the side exposed to the 
waves that had been raised by the winds 
much of the lower part of the berg had been 
dissolved away so that the larger part of the 
top hung like a vast precipice over the clear 
blue water on the side of the berg. “See 
how top-heavy it appears. If the water 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 


245 


had dissolved the lower part of the berg as 
much as it has the upper part I would not 
be surprised if it turned over.” 

“It looks so, Eric,” replied Andree. “I 
can almost imagine that I can see it begin- 
ning to turn.” 

“Yes,” said Eric, “something is evi- 
dently going to happen ; see, the birds are 
leaving the iceberg. They detect something 
that their experience teaches them to 
dread.” As he spoke the birds that had 
collected on this berg, as indeed they had 
collected on many of the bergs that passed 
them, were leaving it in great haste, utter- 
ing shrill notes as if greatly frightened. 

Eric had not finished speaking when 
the huge berg toppled over, turning a com- 
plete somersault and making a great splash 
which caused huge waves that made the 
“Explorer” rock as they dashed against its 
sides. As soon as the water had drained oft* 
the overturned surface, they immediately 


246 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


noticed the change that had occurred in its 
appearance. The dazzling white berg had 
now changed into a berg of the deep blue 
color. 

“Look at that, Andree,” said Eric excit- 
edly. “There you can see the reason for 
the difference between the dazzling white 
and the deep blue bergs. ” 

“What do you mean?” inquired Andree, 
who had been looking in an opposite direc- 
tion and had not thoroughly understood 
what had taken place. 

“Why,” replied Eric, “you know the up- 
per part of the glacier is white, for in this 
part the snow has not yet been completely 
turned into ice, while the under part is 
blue. Now, it appears that the bergs of the 
dazzling white kind are those in which the 
snowy part is still uppermost, so that these 
bergs give a dazzling light when illumined 
by the sunlight, while the blue bergs are 
those which had turned somersaults like the 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 


247 


one we have just seen and have the clear 
blue ice uppermost.’ ’ 

Dr. Hanscombe, who, after giving some 
instruction to Dr. Stone, had returned with 
Prof. Kransen, remarked: 

“That is well reasoned, Eric. Your ex- 
planation is quite correct.” 

“That’s capital,” said Mr. Brown, who 
was also near them, “make a point of that, 
boys, in your report to-night, on icebergs.” 

Dr. Hanscombe remarked to Prof. Kran- 
sen: 

“It is probable that before long we may 
have an opportunity to visit some of the 
glaciers from which these have been sepa- 
rated, and can then understand this matter 
much better.” 

One of the bergs, near which the vessel 
passed, had one of its sides hollowed out by 
the waves into a number of small caves just 
above the water line. These caves had shelv- 
ing bottoms that were filled with water of 


248 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


a deep blue color and that might, if exam- 
ined when near enough, be seen filled with 
minute forms of crustacean life. 

Another curious form consisted of a 
large mass of snowy ice shaped like a huge 
mushroom. The stem of the mushroom- 
shaped mass had been formed by the grad- 
ual eating away of the mass at the water 
line, so that the sides overhung equally on 
all sides, giving it the appearance of a huge 
mushroom or toadstool. 

The procession of icebergs continued un- 
til late in the afternoon, when a huge mass 
of floating ice was seen in the north. 

Capt. Jones, referring to this mass, called 
to the boys from the bridge : 

“We will now get sight of the ice-floe, 
and, unless I am much mistaken, a longer 
sight than will please you.” 

As the “Explorer” entered the ice mass, 
it found the floe to consist of a mass of 
broken ice, so that there was very little dif- 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 


249 


Acuity in the vessel’s forcing its way 
through it. Here the peculiar construction 
of her overhanging bow made it a compara- 
tively easy matter to force her way through 
the mass, since it permitted the vessel to 
slide upon the ice mass, when the weight of 
the vessel broke the ice, thus permitting it 
to rise upwards and continue the breaking 
process. When under full steam the “ Ex- 
plorer” was able to force its way through 
this floe. 

Both Capt. Jones and Commander Kran- 
sen were delighted with this behavior of the 
“ Explorer.” Capt. Jones said, however, 
that there were ice-floes that were so thick 
that if the “ Explorer,” or, indeed, any ves- 
sel, were caught in them there was only one 
thing to do. 

“And what is that'?” inquired Dr. Hans- 
combe thoroughly interested in the possibil- 
ity of such an event. 

“Wait until the floe is broken up by the 


250 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


action of the wind and strong ocean cur- 
rents.’ ’ 

The advance of the “ Explorer” contin- 
ued throughout the night, but here, how- 
ever, being fairly within the Arctic circle, 
they had almost continuous daylight. The 
ice-floe kept getting thicker and thicker, so 
that it became more and more difficult for 
the vessel to ram her way through the ice. 
Instead of being formed of comparatively 
loose ice, with huge cracks through its mass 
that could readily be seen from the vessel, 
the ice under the influence of the strong 
wind and ocean currents had completely 
closed around the vessel. 

Unwilling to stop the progress of the ves- 
sel, Capt. Jones instructed the boatswain to 
pipe all hands on deck, and soon both offi- 
cers and crew were engaged, both on the ves- 
sel and on the ice itself, in what is called 
“ boring,” or in working with crowbar, 
boathook, warping line, and ice anchor, 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 


251 


in an endeavor to open up a passage that 
would aid the vessel in ramming her way 
through the mass. This work, which was 
continued for several hours, proved un- 
availing, for, although at first the vessel 
made some progress through the ice, yet the 
opening of the passage seemed only to per- 
mit the ice to be more easily crowded into 
the space thus opened. In this way, the ice 
became packed thicker and thicker around 
the vessel, which became more and more 
firmly imbedded in it, until finally the “ Ex- 
plorer” was fast in the ice-floe. Until the 
pack was loosened by the winds and cur- 
rents so as to give them an opportunity for 
ramming her way through, the vessel was 
imprisoned. 

And now a movement of the ice known as 
hummocking began. This phenomenon is 
due to a moving ice-floe coming in contact 
with another floe, which is either almost sta- 
tionary, or is moving at a slower rate. 


252 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


When an ice mass, consisting of say some 
four or five million tons, strikes against 
another mass, possibly four or five times its 
size, an enormous pressure is developed, so 
that the floes at their meeting edges are 
crumbled into small masses, until the mass 
finally rises and the smaller pack slides over 
the larger pack. 

Hummocking of the ice is a terrifying 
phenomenon. An inclination of the face of 
the ice is first observed, the mass slowly 
rises to a height of about ten feet or more, 
when a crunching sound is heard, due to the 
cracking of the face of the mass, and one 
pack slides over the other. Then over this a 
third mass may be slid, when the increased 
weight breaks the mass into comparatively 
small fragments, say about twice the size 
of an ordinary cart, but the phenomenon is 
not over, for often a fourth mass larger 
than any of the others is piled on its top. 

Of course the great danger to a vessel 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 


253 


caught in an ice pack conies from masses 
of ice, moving in opposite directions, 
catching or nipping the vessel, thus crush- 
ing it, no matter how strongly it may have 
been built. The only safety from this dan- 
ger is in so shaping the sides of the ves- 
sel that the ice pressure lifts the vessel in- 
stead of nipping her. 

This was the case with the “Explorer,” 
since, as has already been stated, the shape 
of the vessel was such as would permit these 
liftings to take place, the vessel being grad- 
ually raised or lifted until she rested many 
feet above the general surface of the floe. 

Nothing more could now be done, so 
those of the officers and crew that were not 
on watch, went below, Jones placing a care- 
ful lookout on the vessel so that advantage 
might be taken of any breaking up of the 
floe. 

Next morning after breakfast, there be- 
ing no indications of the breaking up of the 


254 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


ice mass, a party consisting of Kransen, 
Hanscombe, and the entire reportorial staff, 
consisting of Mr. Brown and the two boys, 
left the vessel in order to make an examina- 
tion of a large iceberg, about five miles to 
the north, to find out if there were any 
indications of the breaking up of the floe. 
But the outlook was far from promising. 
A careful examination from the top of the 
foremast with a glass showed an apparently 
continuous icefield, entirely devoid of any 
openings or passages. Besides the large 
berg at about a distance of five miles, al- 
ready referred to, there were numerous 
others still farther in the north, the pre- 
cipitous sides of which presented the ap- 
pearance of mountains. 

Before leaving the vessel, an understand- 
ing was reached, that should anything occur 
which would render the return of the party 
to the vessel advisable, the steam siren 
should be sounded. 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 255. 

On reaching the berg, they succeeded, 
after no little work, in getting upon it ; for 
the bergs are generally separated from the 
icefloe by a clear water space. Once on the 
berg, they soon reached its top. This berg 
was one of the dazzling white type, the sur- 
face being the same as that which had 
formed the upper portion of the glacier. 
The streams of water formed by the melt- 
ing of the ice had given to this surface the 
appearance of hill and valley. As they 
drained off when they reached the side of 
the berg, these streams ran down the sides 
in small cascades. 

An hour was pleasantly spent in examin- 
ing the different portions of the berg. In 
some places the valleys formed by the run- 
ning water had so cut into the ice mass, en- 
abling them to see the difference in its 
structure at varying depths. Near the sur- 
face the mass was more or less granular, 
retaining its snowlike appearance, while 


256 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


farther down it presented a deep blue color. 

The boys, as indeed all members of the 
party, tasted the ice to see whether they 
could detect the presence of salt, but except 
in those parts that had been exposed to the 
waves of the ocean, no salt could be found. 

Prof. Kransen took away with him a 
large portion of the clear blue mass, which 
he was careful to prevent any of the ocean 
water coming in contact with. 

What especially interested the party was 
the different varieties of minerals ob- 
tained from the surface of the iceberg. 
These minerals had collected while in the 
glacier moving down the sides of the moun- 
tain valley in which the berg had been 
formed. These specimens included quartz, 
gneiss, augite, syenite, etc., others in the 
form of small pebbles or as angular frag- 
ments. 

On their return to the vessel, Andree 
said: 


HEMMED IN BY ICEBERGS 


257 


“ Uncle Lars, do you mind telling us what 
you are going to do with that piece of ice 0 ?” 

“Not at all,” said the professor, “you 
and Eric may come along,” he said, taking 
the piece of ice to the chemical laboratory. 
“I merely wish to make a more careful test 
of the presence of salt than can he made by 
tasting.” 

On reaching the laboratory, a piece of ice 
was taken, the outside of which was care- 
fully cleansed with distilled water, and the 
remaining ice melted in a clean glass test 
tube, the water in the tube was found to 
be perfectly clear and colorless and free 
from sediment. 

“Now,” said the professor, “I will add 
a few drops of nitrate of silver to this 
water. If there is even a trace of sea salt 
present, a change in color will occur, the 
water becoming white.” Then turning to 
Andree, he said: “You know that this 
whitening will be due to the formation of 

17 


258 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


chloride of silver. This test is an exceed- 
ingly delicate one.” 

On the addition of the silver nitrate no 
change whatever occurred in the appear- 
ance of the water. 

6 ‘ Now,” said Prof. Kransen, “I will show 
you what would have taken place if com- 
mon salt had been present.” So saying he 
poured a few drops of ocean water in the 
test tube. The water now assumed a milky 
appearance, a curdy precipitate being pro- 
duced. 

“ This material,” said Prof. Kransen, “is 
known to chemists as chloride of silver. It 
is employed for making photographic 
prints. It darkens on exposure to light. 
If you let this test tube remain in the light, 
the white liquid will gradually turn a pur- 
plish black.” 


CHAPTER XIII 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 

O N their return from the iceberg, the 
different members of the party spent 
some time, after supper, making neat copies 
of their notes concerning, the many inci- 
dents of the day. This work took Gideon 
Brown and the boys several hours. The 
procession of the bergs in the dense fog, and 
the ship’s perilous passage between two 
rapidly approaching bergs, as well as what 
was seen on the iceberg, furnishing what he 
termed capital matter. 

Early next morning Eric went with An- 
dree to the chemical laboratory to see what 
action had taken place on the white preci- 
pitate formed in the test tube by the addi- 
tion of a small quantity of nitrate of silver 
259 


260 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


to ocean water. As Prof. Kransen had 
predicted, the white precipitate of the pre- 
vious night was now of a deep purplish 
black. After breakfast a careful examina- 
tion was made of the position of the “ Ex- 
plorer. ” No perceptible change could be de- 
tected either in the ice immediately around 
the vessel, or, indeed, in the space around 
it as far as could be seen with a glass, the 
floe extending in all directions as a solidly 
packed ice mass. They would be kept pris- 
oners until, under the influence of the wind, 
or, more probably, of the ocean currents, a 
slow movement of the mass would open up 
a lane through which the vessel might force 
its way to clear water. 

As neither the weather nor the barometer 
gave signs of snow or fog, Hans and Hein- 
rich, the hunter and fisherman, left the ves- 
sel to see if they could get any game. An- 
dree and Eric obtained permission from 
Commander Kransen to go with them, 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 


261 


promising not to leave the men for any con- 
siderable time and to remain in sight of the 
vessel. Since bears are common on the ice- 
floe in these waters, Hans and Heinrich 
took their guns as well as their spears with 
them and the boys carried their repeating 
rifles. None of the others accompanied 
them. All were busy on other important 
matters. Commander Kransen was super- 
intending the cutting of a fire hole in the ice 
near the vessel, a necessary precaution in 
high northern latitudes, so as to insure a 
ready supply of water in case of a fire 
breaking out on the vessel. Gideon Brown 
was still busy with his notes. Dr. Hans- 
combe had not yet completed his meteoro- 
logical observations in which Dr. Stone was 
aiding him, but these gentlemen said they 
would probably join them later in the day. 

Before leaving the vessel, the boys made 
a visit to the galley, where Caesar gave 
each of them a good sized package of lunch, 


262 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


knowing they would get hungry before re- 
turning to the vessel. 

They took a general northeasterly course 
over the floe, toward an iceberg about eight 
miles from the vessel, that appeared to be 
much larger than the one they had exam- 
ined the previous day. While the greater 
part, the surface of the ice-floe, was 
flat, so that it was easy to move rapidly 
over it, yet in some places it had been 
thrown up in a series of nearly parallel 
ridges, extending across the direction in 
which they were moving. 

These irregularities retarded their prog- 
ress, especially where the summits had been 
broken and piled up under the influence of 
the hummocking. In some places, espec- 
ially at a distance of five miles from the 
ship, these hummocks were sufficiently 
high completely to hide the vessel, but 
this did not give the party any concern, 
since by climbing to the tops of the hum- 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 


263 


mocks the vessel immediately came into 
sight. 

During their walk, Hans, the hunter, who 
was a well educated and intelligent man, 
gave the boys much information regarding 
the different kinds of ice in the floe, as well 
as the habits of the bears, seals, walrus, 
musk-ox, and other large animals that they 
would meet with while in the far north. 
The boys were intelligent listeners, so that 
Hans enjoyed talking with them and telling 
them his experiences. 

When about three-quarters of a mile 
from the berg, they saw what both men de- 
clared to be a seal hole. They determined 
to remain near it in the hopes of killing the 
animal as it came out of the hole on the ice. 
When the men said that they might remain 
at the hole for five or six hours the boys 
wished to go on alone and examine the berg. 
Heinrich at first was unwilling to let the 
lads leave him, but finally consented with 


264 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


the understanding that they would not re- 
main long out of sight. 

As the hoys were leaving, Heinrich said : 

“You will find plenty of drinking water 
on the berg, on which the ice is rapidly 
melting. Should you get thirsty while 
away from the berg, get a piece of old ice 
that has been sticking up above the surface 
of the floe and has for some time been ex- 
posed to the sun’s light. This ice will give 
you fairly fresh water.” 

After they left the men, Eric said to An- 
dree: 

“Ain’t it curious, Andree, that old floe ice 
is fit to eat*? Floe ice has been formed by 
the direct freezing of the salt ocean water, 
has it not, so that I should think it would 
be too salt to furnish fresh water.” 

“Yes, Eric,” replied Andree, “that’s 
nearly right. Most floe ice is formed by the 
freezing of ocean water, but during this 
freezing the greater part of the salt is 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 


265 


thrown out. Besides, some of the floe is 
formed from the snow that has fallen on its 
surface.’ ’ 

“Let us look for a piece of this ice, taste 
it, and see if it is fresh,” said Eric. 

The boys did this and were pleased to 
find that its taste closely resembled ice from 
fresh water. 

They had no difficulty in reaching the 
berg, since there was almost no clear water 
between the floe and the berg. Once on the 
berg they readily reached its top, a part of 
this side sloping gradually down to the sur- 
face of the floe. Its upper surface resem- 
bled that of the berg they had examined 
the previous day, being cut and gulleyed 
by streams of water formed by its rapid 
melting. It contained a greater variety of 
minerals than the berg already examined, 
so that in addition to the kinds of minerals 
then obtained, they collected fine speci- 
mens of slates, soapstones and serpentines. 


266 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


Knowing that these minerals would interest 
Drs. Hanscombe and Stone they collected 
specimens for each of these gentlemen, as 
well as for themselves. As on the other 
berg, the minerals existed both as rounded 
pebbles and angular fragments. In some 
cases, they observed huge bowlders so im- 
bedded in the ice as to be able to cling to the 
sides of fairly steep slopes. 

Some curious effects were produced on 
the surface of the berg by the unequal melt- 
ing of the ice. In several level places, the 
ice looked as if some one had been boring 
vertical holes in it with a large auger. 

“Look, Andree,” said Eric, pointing to 
some of them, “are not these curiously 
shaped holes? I wonder how they were 
formed. ’ ’ 

“I am sure I don’t know,” said Andree, 
examining them. 6 ‘ They look as if they had 
been bored with an auger, and well bored 
too; for, see,” he continued, “the sides of 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 


267 


all the holes go straight down and are not in- 
clined as they would have been had the bor- 
ing been carelessly done. But as to how 
this has been done, I am sure I do not 
know.” 

“Then,” said Eric, “let’s try to find out. 
See,” he continued, pointing to a space of 
about an acre that was covered with holes, 
varying from an inch to an inch and a half 
in diameter, “here are hundreds of such 
holes, let’s closely examine some of them.” 

An examination showed that these holes 
were of different depths. Both boys were 
bright and intelligent, but as already re- 
marked, Eric was much quicker than An- 
dree in interpreting natural phenomena and 
in forming conclusions. 

“I have found the fellow who did the bor- 
ing,” he said, laughing. “He has left an 
auger in each of the holes.” 

“What are you giving me, Eric?” asked 
Andree, laughing, “left an auger in the 


268 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


holes? Do you think I am that easy? 
What do you mean?” 

“I mean what I say,” replied Eric, still 
laughing, “I will show you one of his au- 
gers. It is different from the regular car- 
penter’s wood auger, but it can do good 
work all right.” So saying, he picked a 
pebble from one of the holes. “You see 
these pebbles resting on the surface of the 
ice, get heated by the sun, and slowly sink. 
It is probably the shaking of the berg that 
so keeps them in motion that causes the 
round shape of the holes.” 

“You are a bright fellow, Eric,” said An- 
dree, “How very simple these things are 
when you once know them.” 

“Do you remember, Andree,” said Eric, 
“some of these curious icebergs we saw yes- 
terday? We agreed they resembled a huge 
giraffe so far as the spotted appearance was 
concerned. I should not wonder if such 
bergs were formed from cakes of ice that 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 


269 


have been bored in this way, by some of 
these patent ice borers.” 

“That’s so, Eric,” said Andree in an ad- 
miring tone, “yon are a close observer. I 
guess you will become a great scientific 
man.” 

“Now, Andree,” said Eric, “no taffy, 
please, ” and yet it was evident that the ap- 
parently sincere approbation of his boy 
friend greatly pleased him. 

A continued examination of the berg 
brought the boys to the side opposite that by 
which they had reached its upper surface. 
Here it had a steeper slope towards the pack 
than on the side from which they had ap- 
proached it, and there was a space of clear 
water covered here and there with blocks of 
floating ice. They were tempted to descend 
at this point and walk around the berg un- 
til they joined Hans and Heinrich. 

“I don’t think it would be well to do so,” 
said Andree. “The distance around the 


270 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

berg here is at least three-quarters of a mile 
and that would keep us out of sight of the 
men for a much longer time than we prom- 
ised we would be.” 

“All right,” replied Eric, “I agree with 
you. We had better go directly back any- 
how, for we have been away for at least two 
hours.” 

On turning to go, Eric slipped down the 
inclined slope of the berg. Andree immedi- 
ately endeavored to check his motion, and 
was not only unable to do so, but was 
dragged along with him. The two boys 
slid 'rapidly down the incline with a mo- 
tion that threw them on the surface of the 
floe some some little distance from the berg. 
Fortunately, the ice both on the berg and on 
the surface of the floe was comparatively 
smooth, so that neither of them was injured. 
Nor were they wet, having crossed the water 
space between the floe and the berg on sev- 
eral large cakes of floating ice. As the float- 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 


271 


in g cake was thin and threatened to break, 
they did not attempt to regain the berg, but 
determined to reach the other side by walk- 
ing around it. Since the sky continued 
clear, and no motion of the ice-floe could be 
perceived, they were not at all alarmed at 
what had occurred. Both Prof. Kransen 
and Dr. Hanscombe had trained them to de- 
pend on themselves, so they thought nothing 
of being obliged to walk around the iceberg 
to the other side. 

44 Let’s start at once, Eric, ’ ’ said Andree, 
“it will take some time to reach the other 
side, and Hans and Heinrich will be worried 
at our absence.” 

4 4 V ery well, Andree, ’ ’ replied Eric. 4 4 As 
I remember the shape of the berg, it will be 
shorter if we follow the berg on our right 
hand.” 

4 4 That’s my recollection, too,” remarked 
Andree, 4 4 let’s go in that direction.” 

The boys set off at a rapid pace. 


272 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


When they reached the other side, a sud- 
den cracking sound was heard, showing that 
the berg was slowly moving through the 
floe. A glance at the ice near them showed 
that hummocking had been taking place, 
for the surface, instead of being flat, was 
piled up in successive ridges of from ten to 
fifteen feet in height. This greatly in- 
creased the difficulty of getting over the 
surface, so that their progress during the 
next quarter of an hour was comparatively 
small. The boys saw that they were in a 
dangerous position, although they did not, at 
first, fully appreciate how great the danger 
was. They had crossed over all the hum- 
mocks and had reached a fairly flat portion 
of the floe, over which "they walked more 
rapidly. Suddenly, an ominous movement 
was seen immediately beneath them. 

“Run, Andree,” said Eric, catching his 
companion by the arm and dragging him 
rapidly away from the berg. 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 


273 


“What’s the matter?” inquired Andree. 

“ Don’t you see? ” he said, in a frightened 
tone, “the ice is hummocking directly under 
our feet.” 

Andree looked and to his horror saw that 
the ice on which they were standing was 
gradually rising in the form of a hillock ex- 
tending along the front of the berg. 

Eric’s quickness of observation, and his 
ability rapidly to read natural phenomena, 
enabled him to understand exactly what was 
taking place. He, therefore, ran and 
dragged his companion in a direction from 
the berg. Nor had he acted a moment too 
soon ; for, by the time they reached the bot- 
tom of the hillock, the crushing, crunching 
sounds increased, and the part of the floe 
which they had just left, was changed into 
a broken, splintered mass of ice that was 
thrown up nearly ten feet above the level 
of the floe. As they continued running over 

the ice-floe away from the berg, the ice again 
18 


274 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


gently raised directly under their feet, an- 
other ominous cracking sound was heard, 
and again by the time they had reached the 
bottom of the hillock, another pile of broken 
ice fragments was formed in the place they 
had just left. This time, however, the pile 
of broken ice did not reach as far above the 
general level as in the former instance. 

As they continued running from the berg, 
another hummocking action commenced to 
take place under their feet, which, however, 
they safely escaped as before. 

“I think the worst is over,” said Eric to 
Andree. “See, the last piles of fragments 
produced by the hummocking are smaller 
than the others.” 

Although the boys had thus escaped the 
danger to which they had been exposed, a 
much more serious one now faced them. A 
dense fog had been gradually settling down. 
The stirring events of the last half hour had 
so thoroughly claimed their attention that 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 275 

they had not noticed the setting in of the fog, 
which was rapidly growing denser and 
denser, until at last it became so dark that 
they were unable to see more than a few 
feet ahead of them. 

This change had been so rapid that they 
had failed to take especial note of the di- 
rection of the vessel from them, and conse- 
quently the place they were to meet Hans 
and Heinrich. 

“Eric,” said Andree, “we are in a bad 
fix.” 

“I know it,” was the reply, “but we can’t 
afford to get rattled.” 

“Do you remember the direction of the 
men and of the 4 Explorer’?” 

“I am not certain, but I remember yester- 
day that the wind was blowing towards the 
bergs. I wondered that they should be mov- 
ing directly in the face of the wind, but I 
afterwards concluded that it was not the 
wind but the more powerful ocean currents 


276 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

that produced their motion. I noticed this 
morning that the direction of the wind had 
not changed. If this is so, and the direction 
of the bergs continue the same, then the ship 
must lie over there,” he said, pointing, “and 
Hans and Heinrich are in nearly the same 
direction,” again pointing. “In other 
words, it seems that to reach the ship we 
must go almost dead against the wind and 
the same direction should also bring us not 
far from the men.” 

“You are right, Eric,” said An dree. 
“My recollection of the wind is the same as 
yours.” 

Their progress was now very difficult. 
Fortunately, the hummocking action had 
ceased, but the light was so poor and uncer- 
tain that they had considerable trouble in 
making their way over the floe. Then, too, 
the wind was gradually ' increasing in ve- 
locity, and, to add to their trouble, it began 
to snow. The darkening of the air by both 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 


277 


fog and snow was now so great that they 
could scarcely see a few feet ahead of them. 

“We must listen for the sound of the 
steam siren. I am sure Uncle Lars will 
start it as soon as he sees the settling down 
of the fog.” 

“True,” said Eric, “we must try to, but I 
am afraid, since we are seven miles from the 
‘Explorer,’ and the wind is making such a 
roaring, that we will not be able to hear the 
siren. ’ ’ 

The wind was blowing stronger and 
stronger every moment, throwing the fine 
snow in their eyes with sufficient force to 
sting severely where it struck their faces, 
so that at last they could scarcely see at all. 
The boys, however, struggled bravely along 
in the direction in which they believed the 
ship to be for nearly an hour. The wind 
and storm, however, became more and more 
furious until the boys became so exhausted 
that Andree said : 


278 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“Eric, let us build a snow shelter. We’ll 
pile up the snow, dig a hole in one side, and 
creep in. In this way we will be shielded 
from the wind and the cold.” 

Selecting a place where the snow had 
drifted into a fairly large pile, they in- 
creased its height by heaping up the snow, 
which they compacted by pressing it to- 
gether and then digging an opening on the 
side opposite to the wind, and crept in and 
huddled together. 

At first they were quite cold and shivered 
considerably. While they were walking 
they did not feel the cold so much, but now 
that they were obliged to lie still they be- 
gan to feel it severely. 

“Cuddle up close to me,” said Andree, 
laughing, “we will soon get warmed up.” 

“I will,” said Eric, “but before we do 
this let us put our rifles outside on the snow. 
I read the other day in a book on Arctic 
travel that if fire-arms are left in a. space 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 


279 


that becomes heated they are apt to be ren- 
dered useless by the collection of moisture.” 

Placing their rifles outside the snow- 
house in such a position that they could 
readily reach them, the boys lay close to- 
gether inside their rude snowhouse. There 
was considerable shivering for a while, but 
in a comparatively short time, they felt 
fairly warm and comfortable. 

They were now very thankful for that 
visit they had made to the gallery, and to 
the foresight of Caesar in giving them a 
package of lunch, which they enjoyed im- 
mensely. At Andree’s suggestion, instead 
of eating it at once, they divided it into three 
separate portions since, as Andree said : 

“We don’t know how long we may have 
to remain on the floe.” 

The storm continued for at least three 
hours, during which time both boys shot off 
their rifles several times in order to let Hans 
and Heinrich hear them should they be in 


280 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


the neighborhood. But these calls for help 
were unsuccessful. At last the snow ceased, 
and, although the fog still remained, the 
light became better, so that they could see 
at least ten feet around them. 

“ Let’s shoot off our rifles again, Andree,” 
said Eric, “and shout as loud as we can. I 
think we must be in the neighborhood of the 
place where we left Hans and Heinrich.’ ’ 

Though they shouted at the top of their 
voices they got no result. 

Andree now began to get anxious about 
Eric. 

“Do you feel all right, Eric ?” he inquired. 

“Thank you, Andree,” said Eric, laugh- 
ing. “Don’t worry about me. You will 
find that though I am small I am tough. 
My life on the ranch has well prepared me 
for roughing it. I’m able to stand what we 
have experienced to-day without any 
trouble.” 

The boys again shouted. This time their 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 


281 


cries were answered. What they heard, 
however, was not the sound of men bring- 
ing help, but of men crying themselves for 
help. They thought they could recognize 
the voices of Hans and Heinrich. 

“ Something has happened to the men,” 
said Eric. “ Let us run to their aid.” 

Seeing that their rifles were in good order, 
the boys ran rapidly in the direction in 
which they had heard the voices. But the 
voices, carried by the wind, had come from 
a much greater distance than they had sup- 
posed. On reaching the men they found 
them trying to drive off two large bears. 
They had evidently either lost their guns or 
had been unable to use them, since the only 
weapons they had with which to resist the 
bears were the spears they had taken with 
them for use in hunting the seal and walrus. 
Heinrich called out : 

“ Shoot, boys. Aim above the shoulders 
so as to. strike the heart.” 


282 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“Be careful, Andree, not to hit the men,” 
said Eric. “Take the bear on the right 
hand side, and I will take the one on the 
left,” and, taking a careful aim, he fired. 
Eric’s skill with the rifle was now a matter 
of great consequence, for the ball sped so 
truly that it passed through the heart of the 
animal, killing it instantly. The other bear, 
seeing what had happened, turned around 
and made a savage attack on the boys. An- 
dree ’s shot had hit this bear, but his aim was 
not so good as Eric’s. It only wounded the 
animal and rendered it more savage. So 
ceasing its attack on the men it made a sav- 
age rush towards the boys. 

“Look out, boys,” cried the men. 

Eric, however, stood his ground, and tak- 
ing deliberate aim at the animal he sent a 
ball through its head, killing it almost in- 
stantly, as in the case with the first bear. 

‘ ‘ Thank you, boys, ’ ’ said the men. “You 
came just in time. We have been greatly 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 


283 


worried about you and have been searching 
for you ever since the fog settled down. 
We continued searching until the storm be- 
came so furious that we were obliged to 
seek shelter in a snowhouse. Here we were 
attacked by the two bears, but our guns, 
which we foolishly took into the house with 
us, were disabled by the moisture settling on 
them. We, therefore, had only our spears 
with which to defend ourselves against the 
beasts.” 

Hans then turned to Eric and said : 

“You are a wonderful shot. Where did 
you learn to shoot so well?” 

“On a western ranch,” replied Eric. 

“Wherever you learned, you learned to 
shoot better than anyone I have ever 
known.” 

“Where were you during the storm?” in- 
quired Eric of the men. 

“In a snowhouse.” 

“Then,” said Eric, “how is it that you 


284 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


did not hear our cries or the reports of our 
rifles ?” 

“ Because our snowhouse was at least a 
mile from here. After you left we shot sev- 
eral birds which we took with us. When 
the bears came to our snowhouse, they got 
hold of these birds and commenced eating 
them. We got our guns and tried to use 
them, but found they were useless. While 
the bears were eating the birds we ran to the 
place where we are now. The bears fol- 
lowed us as soon as they had finished devour- 
ing the birds. ” 

“But where have you been during the 
storm?” inquired Heinrich. 

“In a snowhouse about half a mile from 
here,” replied Andree. 

When the men heard how the boys had 
shielded themselves from the storm they 
laughed and said : 

“There was little reason for our wor- 
rying about you. You are better able to 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 


285 


take care of yourselves than most men I 
know. Let us now see about going back to 
the ship. In what direction do you suppose 
the vessel lies, boys?” asked Hans; this was 
not because be did not know himself, but 
was merely for the purpose of testing the 
knowledge of the boys. 

Eric pointed correctly to the position in 
which he believed the brig to be situated 
and his reasons for so believing. 

“ That’s right,” said Heinrich. “You’re 
quick, you are.” 

At this moment the fog commenced to 
lighten and cleared away almost as rapidly 
as it had appeared. 

Looking in the direction in which they 
agreed the brig lay, they were pleased to see 
that they were correct. Moreover, at a dis- 
tance of about a mile and a half away, they 
saw a rescue party from the “ Explorer” 
was rapidly approaching them, drawing a 
light sledge after them. They recognized 


286 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


in the party, Commander Kransen, Dr. 
Hanscombe, Dr. Stone, Gideon Brown, and 
four of the crew. • 

It was a joyful meeting when it was found 
that no one was injured. The sight of the 
dead bears greatly excited the rescue party 
who began to compliment the men on the suc- 
cess of their hunting. 

“ Don’t praise us,” said the men, “the 
boys killed the bears, and in .so doing 
saved our lives, for the bears came very near 
killing us.” 

It was interesting to note the effects pro- 
duced on the different members of the res- 

> 

cuing party on hearing for the first time the 
thrilling experiences of the rescue. Kran- 
sen and Hanscombe were delighted to find 
that the boys had so thoroughly proved their 
ability to take care of themselves. Gideon 
Brown was interested mainly in the stories 
the incidents would furnish. The members 
of the crew were interested in the plentiful 


LOST ON THE ICE-FLOE 


287 


supply of fresh bear meat in sight and there- 
fore aided Hans and Heinrich in opening 
the bears and removing their entrails. As 
soon as the boys told the story of the hum- 
mocking of the ice several of the crew, in- 
cluding Hans and Heinrich, at once said to 
Commander Kransen that it would be ad- 
visable for them to return to the “ Explorer ” 
as quickly as possible. Without, therefore, 
waiting for any further dressing of the 
bears, the huge animals were placed on the 
sledge and the party moved rapidly towards 
the “ Explorer.” 


CHAPTER XIV 


THE BREAKING UP OF THE ICE-FLOE. BEACH- 
ING CAMP HENDERSON 



N reaching the vessel the bears were 


skinned and cut into quarters in a 
manner similar to that employed in the 
preparation of beef. As the boys were in- 
terested in anything that was new they stood 
by watching Hans and Heinrich at this 


work. 


“There is plenty of good meat here for 
boiling, baking and frying,” said Hans to 
Andree. “The liver is especially good. At 
one time this part was regarded as highly 
poisonous, but is now considered the dain- 
tiest part of the animal.” 

“I suppose bear meat will keep fresh for 
a very long time in cold air,” said Andree. 


288 


REACHING CAMP HENDERSON 


289 


“Yes,” answered Hans, “if the entrails 
are removed shortly after death. Unless 
this is done the meat may become unfit for 
food even during the coldest weather.” 

The bears were large-sized animals, about 
seven and a half feet long and weighing 
about 650 pounds each. On cutting them up 
a thin layer of fat or blubber was found 
around the back and the abdomen. 

“They have been for a long time without 
food, ’ 9 said Hans. ‘ 6 Sometimes this layer of 
fat is more than two inches thick.” 

“Do you mean that the meat will be poor 
for eating?” said Andree. 

“No,” replied Hans, “bear meat is differ- 
ent from beef. The fatter the bear the 
poorer the meat, for the fat gives it a bad, 
fishy taste. These animals have been 
nearly starved. That is the reason they at- 
tacked us so savagely.” 

The fur or skin was carefully prepared 

for curing and treating, since it forms ex- 
19 


290 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


cellent material for sleeping bags or for dif- 
ferent articles of clothing. The fur was 
long, silky, and of a whitish yellow color. 

It was a happy party that sat around the 
mess table that evening. The boys received 
congratulations from all for the manner in 
which they had met and overcome the dan- 
gers to which they had been exposed. The 
officers were especially pleased, since even 
the most skeptical were now convinced that 
the boys would prove a help rather than a 
hindrance to the expedition. Prof. Kran- 
sen and Dr. Hanscombe. rejoiced because 
they were now certain they had made no 
mistake in permitting the boys to accompany 
the expedition. Gideon Brown was de- 
lighted at the splendid material furnished 
for his notes and reports, but probably none 
of the officers were as much pleased as Capt. 
Jones, especially when he had been informed 
of the moving of the distant iceberg, and the 
hummocking of the ice. He saw that the 


REACHING CAMP HENDERSON 291 


chances for the breaking up of the floe were 
good. 

“Kransen,” he said, speaking to the com- 
mander, after he had closely questioned the 
boys concerning the movements that they 
had seen in the ice immediately in front of 
the berg, “from what the boys tell me, I 
calculate the floe will break up to-morrow. 
I am tarnation glad of this, for w r e might be 
stuck here in the ice all summer and never 
reach our winter quarters until next year.” 

As for the boys themselves, they were 
very happy. The dangers they had shared 
during the darkness of the fog and the 
storm had drawn them still more closely to- 
gether. 

“You aren’t a bad sort, really, Andree,” 
said Eric in the half-laughing manner by 
which boys hide their real feelings, and then 
he added, smilingly, “I will even agree to 
be your little brother, if you will never call 
me by that name before others.” 


292 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“I agree,” said Andree, hugging him, at 
which Eric’s sense of manliness was so out- 
raged that a good-natured wrestling match 
occurred with Eric eventually the winner. 

“ Hurrah for the little brother,” cried An- 
dree. 

“My big brother may now get up if he 
promises to be a good boy,” replied Eric. 

Next morning at the officers’ mess table, 
on which were some excellent bear steaks 
that had been sent in from the galley by 
Caesar, the meal was nearly completed, when 
a crackling sound was heard, the vessel sud- 
denly lurched to one side, then immediately 
righting itself, appeared to be gradually 
falling or sinking. 

Capt. Jones leaped to his feet and cried: 

“The floe is beginning to break up. The 
vessel is settling in the ice.” 

He had hardly spoken when one of the 
crew, knocking at the door, said to the Cap- 
tain, as he opened it : 


REACHING CAMP HENDERSON 


293 


“The officer in charge, sir, reports the floe 
beginning to move.” 

As he hastened on deck, they heard the 
boatswain piping: 

“All hands on deck.” 

A movement of considerable extent was 
taking place in the floe. The crackling 
noises continued, the vessel made several ad- 
ditional lurches, settling down each time, 
until, at last, she was resting directly on the 
water instead of on the ice. 

“She’s on an even keel,” cried Capt. 
Jones, meaning that the “Explorer” was no 
longer resting on the ice but floating on the 
water. 

As Capt. Jones had predicted, the moving 
of the berg, as noticed by the boys, was but 
the beginning of a general movement of all 
the bergs and the breaking up of the floe. 
The lookout at the top of the foremast re- 
ported that cracks or leads were beginning 
to form in all directions, but that none of 


294 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


these yet reached nearer than a quarter of a 
mile from the vessel’s bow. In the immedi- 
ate neighborhood of the vessel, however, the 
floe was still compact and hard. Wishing 
to take advantage of the openings beyond, 
Capt. Jones sent out a number of men who 
labored hard with saws, axes and crowbars 
on the ice immediately around the vessel, in 
a vain attempt to cut a channel through the 
floe. Although they worked for several 
hours, the officers generally aiding in this 
work, yet they were unable to produce any 
marked effect on the ice. 

Meanwhile, the openings in the ice in- 
creased, when suddenly a crack extended 
from the floe beyond to the bow of the vessel. 
The ship, under the signal of the bell, now 
starts her engines and goes on at a good 
speed. A severe bump is felt as she strikes 
a narrow portion of the ice mass. This 
mass is too great to be pushed aside, but the 
overhanging bow of the “ Explorer” per- 


REACHING CAMP HENDERSON 


295 


mits her to climb or mount on the ice and 
then by its great weight to break slowly 
down the sides and thus widen the channel. 

And now the officer in charge has exacting 
work in piloting the vessel through the nar- 
row, crooked channel. 

“Hard a lee,” cried Capt. Jones, and sud- 
denly a severe bump is felt as the vessel 
strikes the side of the ice-floe. 

“Steady there, steady,” is the command, 
when again a change occurs in the direction 
of the channel. 

“Hard a starboard; hard, hard, hard,” 
with another scrape against the ice. 

“Steady there, steady,” as the vessel 
moves slowly through the widening chan- 
nel. 

Then in the space ahead, a floating piece 
of the ice mass swings around with one end 
against the side of the channel, thus cutting 
off the progress of the vessel. The bell sig- 
nals the vessel to stop, and then go ahead 


296 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


with full speed. Under the full power of 
her steam, the “Explorer” fairly hurls her- 
self against the obstruction, but except for 
a severe shock, no apparent effect is pro- 
duced on the ice mass. Again backing, and 
then going ahead at full speed, another blow 
is struck. This time the huge cake of ice 
turns slowly around on its axis, widening 
the channel, but as the ice turns around, 
the slowly moving mass strikes the side of 
the vessel with a blow that might have done 
considerable damage to a vessel less strongly 
built than was the “Explorer.” 

Indeed, even with this vessel, the greatest 
care was necessary so to strike the opposing 
ice as to avoid damage by the swinging 
around of the mass. 

A strong wind was now blowing from the 
northeast. This was favorable, since, as 
Capt. Jones said: 

“It will blow much of the floating ice 
toward the American side sure and leave a 


REACHING CAMP HENDERSON 


297 


fairly free channel along the Greenland 
coast.” 

Capt. Jones was right as to the wind en- 
suring an unobstructed channel, for the ves- 
sel had comparatively little trouble in sail- 
ing north along the western coast of Green- 
land. Indeed, the waters soon became more 
and more free from ice, until they were mak- 
ing full speed towards the north. 

The “ Explorer” was now rapidly ap- 
proaching a part of Baffin Bay known as 
Melville Bay. They were sailing suffi- 
ciently near the Greenland coast to obtain a 
view of different objects. The air was so 
clear that they could see a curiously shaped 
mass of rock that towered like a lighthouse 
above the otherwise level surface of the 
country. 

“Look at that rock,” cried Hjalmar, to 
Eric, pointing to the pillar of rock, “what 
would you say it looks like?” 

“Like a huge thumb,” was the answer. 


298 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“ That’s right,” he said. “It is for that 
reason called the Devil’s Thumb.” 

This natural object formed a prominent 
feature of the landscape, as it stood tower- 
ing above the general level surface of the 
country. Eric found afterwards, from sev- 
eral books on Arctic travel in the wardroom 
library, that the Devil’s thumb is a trap dike, 
a variety of igneous rock, and that it has a 
height of 2,347 feet, and may be regarded as 
marking the entrance to Melville Bay. 

Perhaps the most dangerous part of the 
route was in the waters around Melville Bay, 
across the northern passage, toward the 
west. Fortunately, the strong northeast 
wind had cleared a fairly good passage, 
which permitted them at times to make ex- 
cellent progress. Changes, however, in the 
nature of the passage, occurred with danger- 
ous rapidity. A half hour of clear water 
would suddenly be followed by great masses 
of floating ice that surrounded the vessel. 


REACHING CAMP HENDERSON 


299 


What rendered the motion more dangerous 
were the icebergs that came floating by. 
Curiously enough, these bergs were not all 
moving toward the south. A few, some of 
the largest, were slowly making their way to 
the north against the mass of southerly 
moving ice. This was probably due, as 
Capt. Jones remarked, to strong undercur- 
rents acting against the greater mass of 
submerged ice. A vigilant watch was nec- 
essary to prevent the vessel’s being caught 
between these southerly moving bergs. 
After several close passages Capt. Jones 
adopted the bold plan of anchoring the “ Ex- 
plorer” to one of the largest of these north- 
ward moving bergs, thus employing it as a 
huge breakwater that effectually shielded 
them from the southerly moving ice masses. 
The advantage so gained, however, was at- 
tended by graver dangers than those from 
which they thus escaped ; for, while the ves- 
sel was thus moored to the huge iceberg, 


300 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


small pieces of ice were observed to fall on 
the deck of the vessel. Capt. Jones imme- 
diately foresaw what was about to happen. 
Without attempting to save the anchor, 
he ordered the cable cut and gave the neces- 
sary orders by bell signals for backing the 
vessel, and then for turning the vessel’s 
bows so as to steam rapidly away from the 
berg. 

As the “ Explorer” was steaming away 
from its dangerous mooring, they saw the 
iceberg to which they had just been fastened 
begin to rock violently to and fro, when, 
suddenly, several tons of ice were dropped 
directly on the spot where the vessel had 
been but a few moments before. Suddenly, 
the huge mass of ice turned a complete som- 
ersault and splashed a lot of water on the 
deck, and set up huge waves that rocked 
the vessel violently. It was a narrow es- 
cape from instant destruction. After such 
an experience, it was decided to accept the 


REACHING CAMP HENDERSON 


301 


dangers from the southward moving ice 
masses rather than seek the shelter of a 
northward moving iceberg. 

We will not attempt to trace the progress 
of the “ Explorer’ ’ through the various 
sounds and channels that lie between the 
northern prolongation of the Greenland 
Archipelago and of the Islands of the Arc- 
tic Archipelago of North America. Suffice 
to say that passing through the northern 
part of Baffin Bay, opposite a point 
about midway between Lancaster and J ones 
Sounds, they pursued a general northerly 
course. 

Among the many curious natural objects 
they passed, were the Crimson Cliffs, first 
mentioned by Sir John Ross. The face of 
these cliffs has a deep crimson color due to 
the outcropping of red feldspar. They also 
saw here, as well as at other places, the so- 
called crimson snow. This snow has a red- 
dish, or, perhaps, more correctly speaking, 


302 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

a brownish color, that was believed by Dr. 
Kane to be due at least, in some cases, to fine 
particles of the red feldspar. The presence 
of crimson snow, however, in regions where 
no feldspar exists, shows that the red color 
is more commonly caused by other causes. 
Careful studies made by Nansen, who fre- 
quently met this highly colored snow during 
his trip across the Arctic pack, correctly 
ascribe the color to the presence of micro- 
scopic red algae that grow with great rapid- 
ity on the surface of the ice field. Prof. 
Kransen and Dr. Hanscombe who made a 
careful study of specimens of the crimson 
snow obtained from several localities, some 
of which were at a considerable distance 
from the crimson cliffs found that the crim- 
son color was due to the presence of algae 
that could readily be detected with the mi- 
croscope. The coloring matter was soluble 
in water. On scraping off the surface 
snow, the red coloration often extended sev- 


REACHING CAMP HENDERSON 


303 


eral inches below the surface, though the 
color gradually changed from crimson at the 
top to a light rose or a pink below, extend- 
ing from the surface about eight inches 
downwards. 

They saw in several places a greenish col- 
ored snow, which an examination proved to 
be due to the presence of a minute green 
algae. 

Then, too, they passed the wonderful bird 
cliffs which rise straight out of the water to 
a great height. In the protection thus af- 
forded against their human and other ene- 
mies, hundreds of thousands of different 
species of birds were safely living. Finally 
they safely traversed the rest of the distance, 
along the coast of Ellesmere, Grinnel, 
and Grant Lands, reaching a point near 
Cape Hecla in Grant Land, near the Mark- 
ham Inlet, at about lat. 83° N. Here they 
found the two coalers had been waiting them 
for over a week. They had been caught in 


304 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


the ice several times, but, as in the case of 
the “ Explorer,” had been able to proceed 
without any prolonged delay. 

It was now August 15th, so that there still 
remained about two months of partial sun- 
light. Expeditions were at once started by 
Capt. Jones for the purpose of finding a 
safe harbor for the vessel where they could 
erect the houses they had brought with them 
and safely moor the vessel for their long so- 
journ. This search was aided by the cap- 
tains of the two coalers who had been on this 
part of the coast before. A splendid harbor 
was found somewhat farther north, where 
the water was deep, so that the vessel could 
be brought quite near to the shore, and where 
she would be protected from both winds and 
waves. 

The “ Explorer,” followed by the two coal- 
ers, was quickly brought to this harbor. 
The coalers at once commenced unloading 
and storing their cargoes in a heap near the 


REACHING CAMP HENDERSON 


305 


site selected for the power house. At the 
same time, all hands were busily engaged in 
erecting the houses and making prepara- 
tions for the long winter night. 

As soon as the coal was placed on the land, 
the coalers left for the south, in order, if 
possible, to reach the fishing grounds, where 
they expected to take a cargo to Godhaven, 
Greenland. 

As Dr. Hanscombe was in excellent 
health and had thus far thoroughly enjoyed 
his Arctic experiences, and as the two boys 
had proved capable of taking care of them- 
selves, it was determined, greatly to the de- 
light of the boys, to permit them to remain 
with the expedition at least until the next 
summer, when Kransen expected a vessel 
from New York, bringing additional sup- 
plies. This decision greatly pleased all the 
officers of the expedition, who had by this 
time become greatly attached to the boys. 

Gideon Brown gave one of the captains a 
20 


306 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


large package of notes and reports to be for- 
warded to New York at the earliest oppor- 
tunity. He bad, however, been using the 
wireless telegraphic apparatus daily since 
leaving Sidney. 


CHAPTER XV 


ERECTING WINTER HEADQUARTERS AT CAMP 
HENDERSON 

T HE site selected for winter quarters was 
situated near the most northern coast 
of Grant Land. It was an ideal spot for 
the purpose, being almost completely land- 
locked, but provided with an entrance of 
about 100 feet that faced nearly due east. 
A mass of porphyritic rock surrounding the 
harbor, rose almost vertically out of the 
water, so that there was no difficulty in 
bringing the “ Explorer ” to her permanent 
anchorage within twenty feet of the shore, 
at a point where the top of the rock was 
only fifteen feet above the surface of the 
water. Within a quarter of a mile from this 
point, a good sized stream of clear water 
307 


308 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


flowed with sufficient force during the sum- 
mer months to keep this part of the coast 
fairly free from ice, the rocky harrier com- 
pletely shutting the harbor in on all sides ex- 
cept at the narrow entrance. 

The dimensions of the harbor were about 
half a mile in length and a quarter of a mile 
in breadth. The water was, in some places, 
fairly deep, about thirty fathoms, but near 
the shore the depth moderated, thus making 
it easy to secure good anchorage. 

The site selected for the houses was 
about five hundred feet from the vessel and 
on a fairly level tract of ground about two 
hundred feet above the ocean and sheltered 
from the northern winds by a headland eight 
hundred feet above the level of the ocean. 
A gradual slope rendered access from the 
houses either to the “Explorer” or to the 
headland an easy matter. The slope be- 
tween the houses and the headland, was more 
gentle than that to the ship, since the head- 


ERECTING WINTER QUARTERS 309 

land was situated half a mile from the site of 
the house. This headland afforded an ad- 
mirable site for the location of the wireless 
telegraphic station. The chief electrician, 
with the help of the crew, at once began to 
erect the masts for the antennae or wires for 
receiving and transmitting messages, and to 
install the apparatus generally. 

The skilful handling of the “ Explorer” 
by Capt. Jones, together with a succession 
of fortunate circumstances, resulted in their 
reaching Camp Henderson shortly after the 
middle of August, so they had an abundance 
of time to permit them to establish them- 
selves satisfactorily in their winter quar- 
ters. Since, in the latitude of these head- 
quarters, which had been established by both 
Capt. Jones and Commander Kransen, as 
being lat. 84° 2T N., the sun would not disap- 
pear until Oct. 21st, when the long winter 
night would set in. 

While the unloading of the coalers was 


310 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


going on, the materials for the houses* were 
rapidly transferred from the “Explorer” to 
the shore. The timbers for the framing of 
the houses, as well as the walls, flooring, 
ceiling, and other parts, were all plainly 
marked -and their places indicated on large 
blue-print drawings, so that the site of the 
houses having been selected and foundations 
prepared, their erection went on rapidly. 
At the same time, stores of provisions, sci- 
entific instruments and other articles were 
removed to the shore as soon as the store- 
house was completed. A boiler, engine and 
dynamo house were erected, the coal be- 
ing stored in a huge pile on one side of the 
boiler house in rough wooden bins brought 
for this purpose by the coalers and erected 
by them on the site. 

The dynamo and engine house was placed 
alongside the houses assigned for sleeping 
quarters, but was separated from them by a 
large machine shop, in which the different 


ERECTING WINTER QUARTERS 311 

pieces of scientific apparatus intended to be 
used by the Henderson-Kransen North 
Polar Expedition were set up and repaired 
whenever necessary 

For several weeks following the arrival 
of the “ Explorer’ ’ at Camp Henderson all 
members of the expedition, from Comman- 
der Kransen to the cook, were busily en- 
gaged in the work of getting things ready 
for the long winter. Despite its severity, 
however, this was pleasant work, since all 
knew that they were aiding in preparations 
for their own comfort during the long win- 
ter. Nor were they unmindful of the 
varied and generous supplies of food and 
clothing that had been provided. Those of 
the officers and crew who had been on other 
polar expeditions declared that never had 
they known of such intelligent care being 
taken to provide for health and comfort. 

Besides the above buildings a meteoro- 
logical observatory was erected near the 


312 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


wireless telegraphic station. The buildings 
were connected with one another, as well as 
with the vessel by telephonic and telegraphic 
lines, thus permitting the commander or of- 
ficer in charge to issue rapidly instructions 
to those at these different points. 

The houses and other buildings had been 
especially designed by Prof. Kransen, so as 
to prevent too rapid a loss of heat. They 
were single story buildings, or, more cor- 
rectly speaking, a one-story building with 
an attic so commodious as to make them in 
reality almost two-story buildings. All the 
buildings were provided with steep, slanting 
roofs, to prevent the accumulation of snow. 
The gable ends faced north and south, so 
that the greatest length of the building, on 
which a number of narrow windows had 
been placed, faced the east and the west, the 
windows being located on opposite sides of 
the house. Double sash windows were em- 
ployed in order to prevent the rapid loss of 


ERECTING WINTER QUARTERS 


313 


heat. The sides, ceilings, and flooring con- 
sisted of specially constructed double 
wooden plates, or slabs, with a space be- 
tween the outer and inner boards filled with 
slag wool, a substance possessing wonderful 
powers for the non-conducting of heat. The 
plates or slabs were arranged so as to be 
readily secured on the outside, and in this 
manner the more completely to shut out the 
cold. Besides this, the inside of the upright 
framing was afterwards covered with the 
thick sheathing that formed the inner por- 
tion of the walls. 

A similar construction was employed for 
the flooring. This part of the building re- 
quired special care in order to avoid the ten- 
dency that exists in very cold climates for 
the floor to lose its heat rapidly. To this 
end, the floor rafters were placed on heavy 

1$. 

beams, and after good, thick flooring 
boards, consisting of tongued and grooved 
lumber ,*had been securely fastened in place, 


314 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


a second set of floor rafters was placed on 
them, on edge, so as to leave spaces between 
them six inches in depth, these spaces being 
filled in with non-conducting slag wool. A 
final covering of tongued and grooved 
floor boards was then securely placed on 
them, thus constituting the upper surface of 
the flooring. 

A somewhat similar plan was followed in 
the construction of the ceiling of the rooms. 

It will be seen that the Kransen construc- 
tion afforded an almost absolute heat-tight 
space inside of the house. Before it was 
possible for the heat to be lost by conduc- 
tion, it would have to pass through the fol- 
lowing layers : The inside wooden sheath- 
ing of the walls ; the air space between this 
and the specially constructed slab or plate 
secured to the outside of the framing; the 
inside wood of the slab ; the slag wool inside 
the double slab; the outside wooden cover- 
ing of the slabs ; and, finally, a covering of 


ERECTING WINTER QUARTERS 315 

shingles attached to the outside of the slabs. 

In order to prevent the opening of the 
doors from lowering the temperature by the 
entrance of cold air, all doors were con- 
nected by entry ways with other doors at the 
far end of the entries, so that by first open- 
ing the door leading into the entry, and then 
shutting it, and then passing out of the door 
leading to the outside, the amount of cold 
air entering the house was limited. More- 
over, the outer doors had the same construc- 
tion as the walls. 

Since a comparatively steep slope was 
given to the roof, a large space was left 
above the main room and the sloping roof. 
This space was utilized for the construction 
of an entertainment room of sufficient size 
to permit all the members of the expedi- 
tion, officers and crew alike, to be assem- 
bled at one time during the long winter 
evenings. It has been the experience of all 
Arctic expeditions that in order to keep the 


316 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


men well, it is necessary to keep their minds, 
as well as their bodies, occupied. By con- 
tinuing the walls or framing about six feet 
above the ceiling of the main room and plac- 
ing two dormer windows on each side, an 
excellent entertainment room was obtained. 
The flooring consisted of a single covering of 
boards, but the same precautions, however, 
were taken in the construction of the walls 
and roof in order to prevent the escape of 
heat. 

The almost air-tight construction of the 
buildings made it necessary to provide for 
the mechanical admission of pure heated air 
from without and the withdrawal of the 
vitiated air from within. This was effected 
by means of electrically driven blowing fans, 
that forced the air into the rooms after it 
had been properly heated, and exhaust fans 
that drew it out before it became unfit for 
breathing. 

The efficient means thus provided for the 


ERECTING WINTER QUARTERS 317 

living rooms avoided one of the serious 
difficulties of Arctic life, and one that per- 
haps, has more to do with the decrease in 
vitality so often attending a long sojourn in 
the north ; namely, the almost impossibility 
of maintaining the proper ventilation of the 
sleeping quarters, coupled with the fact that 
the air so introduced possesses two very un- 
desirable properties, a very low tempera- 
ture, and a very high relative humidity. As 
is well known, during the exceedingly cold 
weather so common in the Arctic regions, 
the men ’s clothing, or their sleeping bags do 
not readily dry by the loss of the moisture 
produced by perspiration. While working 
in the cold air, and thus taking brisk exer- 
cise, the clothes become quite damp or even 
wet from perspiration. To the great dis- 
comfort of damp clothes there is added, as 
soon as the labor ceases, rapid freezing, thus 
threatening life unless the exercise be con- 
tinued. 


318 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

In a similar manner, the sleeping bags, 
which are taken along on the dog sleds 
during the trips over the ice, do not dry 
out on exposure to the cold air, but almost 
instantly freeze, so that the ice remaining 
in them must be slowly thawed out by the 
heat of the body. Consequently even when 
the temperature inside the bag becomes 
fairly warm, the discomfort of wet bedding 
remains. 

Eric, who had frequently read of the dis- 
comfort of turning into frozen sleeping 
bags, and painfully thawing them out be- 
fore one could get to sleep, one day said to 
Commander Kransen, 4 ‘Professor, have you 
time to explain something to me!” 

“Certainly, Eric, what is it?” 

“Why do not the sleeping bags when 
placed on the sleds completely dry out in 
the cold air to which they are exposed 
through the day? I know that in New 
York wet clothes hung out on a line soon * 


ERECTING WINTER QUARTERS 319 

dry even when the temperature of the air 
is far below the freezing point. Although 
the moisture is converted into ice, an ex- 
posure of an hour or so, to the air com- 
pletely dries the clothes. Why doesn’t the 
ice evaporate in the Arctic regions?” 

“ Because the air is too cold,” replied 
Prof. Kransen, and then turning to An- 
dree, who was standing alongside of Eric, 
and knowing that Andree had taken up 
this subject in connection with his studies 
in chemistry, he added: “ Andree, can you 
not explain this matter to Eric?” 

“Yes, Uncle Lars,” was the reply, “it is 
because very cold air cannot hold water in 
the shape of vapor. At least, its power to 
hold vapor is almost entirely absent. 
Now, as Eric knows, air can take in or ab- 
sorb water in the shape of vapor only up 
to a certain point. As soon as it becomes 
filled with vapor all evaporation ceases. 
Since very cold air can hold but little mois- 


320 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


ture, it is almost always nearly saturated, 
and is, therefore, unable to dry the damp 
clothes, no matter how long it may blow on 
them.” 

“ That’s a good explanation, Andree,” 
said his uncle. “Do you understand the 
matter now, Eric?” he inquired. 

“Yes, sir. Thank you, Andree,” then 
addressing the professor he said: “Then, 
Prof. Kransen, by keeping the air of the 
rooms warm, damp or wet clothes when 
placed in them, rapidly dry, because the 
dry air, which comes in contact with them, 
removes their moisture in the shape of va- 
por, which is afterwards carried out of the 
room.” 

“Yes, Eric, by making the walls, floors, 
and ceilings of our winter houses, non-con- 
ductors of heat we shall be as comfortable 
during the severe cold of the Arctic winter, 
as we are at home. The warm, dry air 
comes into the room and dries wet clothes 


ERECTING WINTER QUARTERS 


321 


and other things, when, instead of condens- 
ing it as ice on the walls and ceilings, car- 
ries it into the outer air.” 

Knowing that the wind sometimes 
reaches a very high velocity in the far 
north, in order to prevent the wooden 
houses from being blown away, or turned 
over by heavy winds, the precaution was 
taken of fastening strong steel chains over 
the tops of the roofs, and securely fasten- 
ing the ends to steel bars driven into the 
huge rocks, which formed a part of the 
ground immediately around the buildings. 

The houses were lighted by incandescent 
electric lamps, thus not only assuring an 
abundance of light for reading and work- 
ing, but also supplying the actinic rays, or 
rays capable of causing chemical changes 
that are so necessary for maintaining the 
vigorous health of the body. In addition to 
these incandescent electric lamps, and es- 
pecially with a view of providing an abun- 
21 


322 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


dance of actinic rays, a few enclosed arc 
lamps were placed in the larger rooms. A 
number of arc lights were also placed out- 
side the buildings, between the principal 
houses, and the observatory on the head- 
land, as well as on the mainmast of the ves- 
sel, and near a small building they had 
erected on the harbor for the reception of 
gasoline motor boats devised by Comman- 
der Kransen for use on the expedition. 

The arrangements of the rooms in the 
houses for the crew were exactly like those 
of the officers except that the space above 
the main room was arranged as a store room 
for some of their goods. The main space 
in each house extended nearly the entire 
length of the house, and was provided on 
one side with a row of windows facing 
the east, while on the other side, and on 
each of the ends, were a number of sep- 
arate rooms opening out into the main or 
mess room. In the officers’ house, these 


ERECTING WINTER QUARTERS 


323 


rooms were large enough for only two peo- 
ple, but in the house provided for the crew, 
the rooms were fewer and arranged so as to 
accommodate each of the watches. 

The engine room and machine shop was 
in a separate building, but at such a dis- 
tance from the living houses that the heat 
either produced by the condensed steam in 
the engine, or that which escaped from the 
fire under the boilers, could be employed 
for the heating of flues connected with the 
houses. Besides this, an efficient hot-air 
heater was provided capable of heating the 
rooms independently of the boiler fires. 

A balloon house for the construction of 
balloons, was erected on the bluff near the 
wireless telegraphic station. This house 
was provided with the necessary devices 
for the rapid formation of the hydrogen 
gas necessary for inflating the balloons. 
Every precaution was taken to avoid the 
grave danger to which wooden buildings 


324 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


might be exposed by accidental fire. The 
electrical wiring was of such a character 
as to prevent fires being started by exces- 
sive currents, or by arcing, all the circuits 
besides being protected by automatic safety 
devices, passed through steel armored con- 
duits. A fire-hole was maintained in the 
harbor near the vessel. An iron piping, 
covered by a quadruple covering of thick 
asbestos cloth was kept ready for instant in- 
sertion in the fire-hole and so connected to 
a powerful pump as to be able to throw a 
stream of water over any of the buildings. 
Recognizing, however, that one of the great- 
est dangers of the starting of fires, came 
from the men themselves, the following rules 
were drawn up by Prof. Kransen and were 
displayed conspicuously in all buildings. 

As will be seen, they were taken almost 
literally from rules formerly framed by 
Nansen for the protection of the little 
“Pram.” 


ERECTING WINTER QUARTERS 


325 


FIRE PRECAUTIONS. 

The breaking out of fire either in the winter quar- 
ters, or on the vessel, might be followed by the most 
terrible consequences, so that too great precautions 
cannot be taken. For this reason every man is cau- 
tioned to obey the following rules implicitly: 

1. Matches must not be carried by anyone save 
when on sledging or exploring expeditions, and only 
then, by express permission of the commander. 

2. The only places where matches are permitted 
to be kept are : 

(a) . The galley where the cook for the time being 
is responsible for them. 

(b) . In the officers’ cabins where a single box 
only is to be kept and the inmates are responsible for 
such box. 

(c) . In the ward or assembly rooms both for the 
officers and the crew, from which none of the matches 
may be taken away under any circumstances. 

(d) . In the machine shops or working rooms gen- 
erally, when the work is going on. 

3. Matches must not be struck anywhere except in 
the above-named places. 

4. The only exception to the above rule is when 
the forge is to be lighted. 

5. Both the ship’s hold and the store houses on 
land are to be inspected every evening at eight 
o’clock by the fire inspector, who must give his report 
to the commander. After that time no one without 


326 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


special permission may take a light into either of 
these places. 

6. Smoking is allowed only in the living rooms or 
on deck. Lighted pipes or cigars must on no account 
be seen elsewhere. 


‘ ‘ ( Signed ) Kransen. 9 9 


CHAPTER XVI 

SEALED LETTER NO. 2 . 

I N accordance with the instructions of Mr. 

Henderson, as soon as the expedition 
was permanently settled in its winter head- 
quarters, Commander Kransen was to 
break the seal of letter No. 2, which he had 
received just before the vessel left New 
York Harbor. He, therefore, said to Dr. 
Hanscombe: 

4 4 Doctor, the time has come for opening 
sealed letter No. 2. As I understand Mr. 
Henderson’s instructions, this letter is first 
to be read by me.” 

“Do you intend to read its contents af- 
terwards to the officers and crew?” 

4 4 That, I believe, is left to my discretion 
after reading it. I wish, however, that you 
327 


328 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


should hear it. Let us go to our cabin 
where we will not be interrupted/ ’ 

On reaching this cabin, Prof. Kransen 
broke the seal and found therein a smaller 
sealed envelope; he then read aloud to his 
companion the following instructions: 

Prof. Lars Kransen, Commander of the Henderson- 
Kransen North Polar Expedition: 

Sir: In accordance with instructions sent you im- 
mediately before the sailing of the expedition, you will 
now have established yourselves in winter headquar- 
ters, at some point as far north as you have been able 
conveniently to reach, and everything is in readiness 
for passing the long winter. I have thought it best 
to wait until this moment before giving you the fol- 
lowing additional instructions: 

1. You will bear in mind that while the principal 
object of the expedition is to reach the north pole, or 
at least some point farther north than has yet been 
reached by others, yet another object, which I desire 
you to regard as of equal importance, is to obtain for 
my various newspapers, exclusive news of such results 
achieved by the expedition that might prove of in- 
terest to the general public. 

2. I especially desire that all lands discovered by 
the expedition, that is, lands that so far as is known 
have never yet been visited by white men, shall be 


SEALED LETTER NO. 2. 


329 


formally taken possession of in the name of the United 
States of America. 

3. Since the main object of the expedition as a 
newspaper enterprise, is the reaching of the north 
pole, I especially desire that every effort shall be di- 
rected to this point, and that no secondary consider- 
ations, such as I afterwards refer to in this letter 
shall be permitted to stand in its way. I am so 
convinced That the plans you have made, are such 
as should permit the main object of the expedi- 
tion to be attained, that I am ready to have these ef- 
forts continued during the next three or four years, 
until success has been achieved, unless, indeed, in the 
meanwhile, some of the other expeditions already in 
the north, shall have reached the north pole before 
you. It is to this intent that I shall send another ship 
to meet you next year and to be under your orders. 
This vessel should reach the site of your winter quar- 
ters sometime during August of next year. I will, 
however, send you more detailed instructions by wire- 
less telegraphy, and you can communicate with me in 
the same manner informing me of any special stores 
or articles you may especially require. 

4. I desire that you carefully bear in mind the im- 
portance of supplying my newspapers with exclusive 
news of the expedition and its results. It is, there- 
fore, a matter of great importance that wireless tele- 
graphic communication be constantly maintained be- 
tween you and New York City. It is unnecessary to 
add that since so much money has been expended in 


330 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


attempting to obtain such exclusive news, you will re- 
frain from entertaining any false notions of economy 
respecting the number and length of the wireless 
telegraphic messages forwarded. 

5. While the discovery of the north pole, or at 
least the reaching of the farthest point north, is, 
from the standpoint of exclusive news for my papers, 
the primary object of the expedition, yet there are 
secondary points of an entirely commercial character 
that I wish you to attend to. Some of the more im- 
portant of these are as follows : 

(a) . Mineral deposits, lodes or veins. It is possi- 
ble that valuable deposits of gold, silver and other 
metals may be found in the far north. Possibly, also, 
beds of coal. You will, therefore, instruct the scien- 
tific members of your staff to keep on the lookout for 
such deposits, and if found, to enter regular claims 
for them in my name. I hereby agree to place in 
trust a 10% interest in any deposits thus discovered, 
the proceeds to be distributed among the officers and 
crew of the expedition in proportion to the salaries 
and wages paid them. 

(b) . You are hereby instructed while in the far 
north carefully to study the habits of and make full 
reports of all fish, land animals, birds, etc., capable 
of producing either valuable food products, or such 
other substances as ivory, furs, feathers, etc., in such 
quantities as to constitute articles of commercial value. 

(c) . I especially desire you to endeavor to ascer- 
tain the conditions under which such animals could 


SEALED LETTER NO. 2. 


331 


be bred in such numbers as to make it a remunerative 
enterprise. To do this, would, of course, require 
large areas of land or water to be set aside for this 
purpose, as well as intelligent efforts on the part of 
the keepers of such tracts to protect the animals so 
bred from their natural enemies. It has occurred to 
me that in this manner, animals, capable of yielding 
valuable furs, feathers, down, or other products, 
might profitably be bred in large numbers. 

(d). Any information you may collect concerning 
any of these points, I wish sent me by wireless tele- 
graphic despatch as per secret telegraphic code you 
will find in the sealed envelope contained in this letter. 
Of course, you will carefully guard this code, permit- 
ting no one to see it but yourself. 

6. Since scientific information is a matter of pub- 
lic interest, and is, therefore, suitable for exclusive 
newspaper news, you are hereby instructed to send 
wireless telegraphic communications containing ab- 
stracts of whatever novel matters of scientific interest 
the members of your expedition may discover or ob- 
serve. 

I leave it to your judgment as to what part, if any, 
of these sealed instructions you make known to other 
members of your expedition. 

Respectfully yours, 
George I. Henderson.’ ’ 

As soon as Kransen had finished reading 
the letter, Hanscombe said : 


332 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“What a remarkable business man Mr. 
Henderson is. How do you like the in- 
structions? It seems to me they are ex- 
cellent.’ ’ 

“They are both excellent and clear, 
Hanscombe. Think what it would mean to 
the world if the lands and waters of the far 
north could thus be opened to commercial 
enterprise. While at first it seems a wild 
dream to suppose such a thing possible, yet 
when one comes to talk it over, and look at 
it from a scientific standpoint, it appears to 
be not only possible but even probable.” 

“Yes,” said Hanscombe laughing, “it’s 
like many of Henderson’s enterprises. 
They seem wild and impracticable at first 
thought, but on trial so often prove great 
successes that the world wonders why they 
had not been carried into practical opera- 
tion long ago. How much of these instruc- 
tions do you think it wise to give to the 
other members of the expedition?” 


SEALED LETTER NO. 2. 


333 


“ Since Mr. Henderson has left it my 
judgment, I think it will be best to keep 
most of this information to ourselves. To 
a certain extent, however, I think it will be 
advisable to give some of this information 
to a few of the officers.’ ’ 

“ Which of the officers have you in 
mind?” inquired Hanscombe. 

‘ ‘ Well,” said Kransen, “there is Gideon 
Brown, I think he should be generally in- 
formed as to the importance of keeping 
New York acquainted with all that is 
going on. 

“Not,” he added, laughing, “That I think 
there is any great necessity for this, since, 
as you know, Mr. Brown is too prone to mul- 
tiply reports. 

“Still, I feel it is my duty to let him un- 
derstand that within reasonable limits, no 
restrictions are placed on the number of 
wireless telegraphic despatches he will be 
permitted to forward to New York.” 


334 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“And as regards the searching for min- 
eral deposits'?” 

“It will clearly be my duty to acquaint 
the officers and crew of the expedition with 
the very liberal offer Mr. Henderson makes 
to divide a 10 % interest in any min- 
eral lands that may be taken up, among 
them in proportion to the salaries and 
wages they receive.” 

“Do you think, Kransen,” inquired Hans- 
combe, “that there is any probability of 
finding any mineral deposits in this part of 
the world'?” 

“There is very little doubt in my mind,” 
said Kransen, “That gold, silver, copper, 
and probably iron may be found in consid- 
erable quantities. As regards a good qual- 
ity of coal, I am uncertain, but since the sur- 
face rock of a large part of the extreme 
parts of North America are of palaeozoic 
origin, I can see no reason why good coal 
deposits should not exist. Indeed, some de- 


SEALED LETTER NO. 2. 


335 


posits of lignite have been discovered in the 
extreme northern parts of North America.’ ’ 

“And what is your opinion concerning 
the possibility of breeding various animals 
in such numbers as to render the enterprise 
a commercial success^” 

“I see no reasons whatever why this 
should not be possible. While the climate 
is exceedingly severe, it is exactly the cli- 
mate best suited for the rapid multiplication 
of the animals we are considering. It seems 
to me almost certain that if such animals are 
protected from their natural enemies, and 
steps are taken at the same time also to pro- 
tect and therefore insure a multiplication 
of the animals on which they feed, they 
would rapidly increase, and should prove a 
source of considerable commercial profit. 
Whether the expenditures necessary to 
carry on such work would exceed the profits 
would, of course, remain to be seen. For 
my part, I believe it possible, and I shall 


336 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


take great interest in making suck a careful 
study of the matter as I can without any 
detriment to our main object, that is, to 
reach the north pole.” 

“I think you are right,” remarked his 
companion, “I see no reason why certain 
Arctic animals should not be bred prof- 
itably. I shall, therefore, be pleased to aid 
you as far as possible in this direction.” 

“I am glad you agree with me, Hans- 
combe. 1 am, of course, delighted that Mr. 
Henderson places the discovery of the north 
pole, or at least the reaching of a point far- 
ther north than has been reached, the prin- 
cipal object of the expedition- He also 
clearly states why this is so important. In 
other words, he leaves no doubt as why he 
considers it important, that is, because it 
constitutes the most important item of ex- 
clusive news that could be sent to his news- 
papers from the far north. I am very much 
pleased with these instructions. I think 


SEALED LETTER NO. 2. 


337 


Mr. Henderson is justified in regarding the 
object of the expedition merely in the light 
of a newspaper enterprise, since he is spend- 
ing a large sum of money with a view of ob- 
taining such news. Besides, the means he 
has taken to inform the general public in 
work in the far north cannot but result in 
an increased interest in work in this part 
of the world. It will, therefore, be a mat- 
ter of no little pride to me, as well as a 
matter of duty, to do all I can to see that a 
continuous communication is maintained be- 
tween the telegraphic station at Camp Hen- 
derson and that in New York City.” 

“And what do you think of the commer- 
cial side of the enterprise, Kransen?” 

“I am especially pleased with this com- 
mercial side. As we both know, there are 
certain products of the far north, such as 
rare furs, ivory, and eider-down, that can 
be obtained with some exceptions only in the 

extreme cold of this region. Now I think it 
22 


338 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


is a very fortunate circumstance for the fu- 
ture development of this almost unknown 
district that a man possessing the marked 
ability of Mr. Henderson would believe it 
worth his while to regard it as a commercial 
problem. I note that Mr. Henderson does 
not wish to have this matter discussed gen- 
erally, so that we must regard it as confi- 
dential. He certainly does' not intend it for 
the newspapers for the present time, so it 
is unnecessary to let Mr. Brown know any- 
thing about it. Indeed, I believe that it 
should especially be kept from him, not that 
I distrust the man, but fear there might be 
some difficulty in preventing its appearance 
in his reports to Hew York. It will be suf- 
ficient if we take the consideration of this 
question as a matter of our own personal 
work. We might, perhaps, permit Dr. 
Stone, who is well posted in natural history, 
to know generally the direction in which our 
studies are being directed. I know he is an 


SEALED LETTER NO. 2. 


339 


able man, and, I believe, entirely trust- 
worthy. What do you think, Hanscombe, 
about letting him know something about the 
matter?” 

“Dr. Stone,” said Dr. Hanscombe, “is, I 
believe, thoroughly trustworthy, he is very 
well informed in this direction and would be 
of great assistance to us in this matter, since 
he could perform this work much more in- 
telligently if he knew what we were aiming 
at. I would advise you to tell him confi- 
dentially all about Mr. Henderson’s instruc- 
tions in this particular. What do you say 
as to letting Andree and Eric also aid us in 
this direction ? Do you think they are too 
young to be trusted with this information? 
Tell me frankly.” 

“Not at all,” said Kransen, earnestly. 
“They are remarkably level-headed boys for 
their age, so that I would have no hesitation 
whatever, in taking them into our confidence. 
Indeed, I would rather trust them with this 


340 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


information than I would many older peo- 
ple.” 

Kransen and Hanscombe took an early 
opportunity to explain the matter to the 
boys, urging them, at the same time, to keep 
it entirely to themselves, and report to them 
only their observations in this direction. 


CHAPTER XVII 


* 


THE TRAINING OF THE SLEDGE DOGS. THE 
WALRUS HUNT 

HE buildings for the winter headquar- 



JL ters included, of course, kennels for 
the sledge dogs; for Kransen, recognizing 
the importance of these animals in their 
journeys over the ice, did everything in his 
power to insure good condition. The Es- 
kimo, Joe, who had accompanied the expe- 
dition in order to take care of the dogs, was 
now able to give all his time to their train- 
ing; for he had completed, while on ship- 
board, the construction of their harness and 
traces. 

The harness was of very simple construc- 
tion. It consisted, for animals driven two 
abreast, of flat leather breast bands and 


341 


342 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


single traces for each animal. The sledges 
were made of light dry hickory. The run- 
ners were not covered with steel or ivory, 
but were made of wood, this material hav- 
ing been found by experience to offer the 
smallest friction in moving over ice or snow. 

It required no little skill properly to train 
dogs for sledge work. In training the ani- 
mals, Joe relied more on force than kind- 
ness; for he gave the poor beasts many se- 
vere beatings. While such methods are not 
to be commended, Joe was successful in 
quickly getting the teams in fairly good 
shape. A method in which kindness re- 
placed force would probably have been more 
successful in the case of such dogs as the 
Newfoundland dogs which were unquestion- 
ably more intelligent and tractable than the 
Eskimo dogs ; for the Newfoundland dogs 
are capable of forming a warm attachment 
for their masters and implicitly obeying 
their commands, while the Eskimo dogs still 


THE WALRUS HUNT 


343 


retain many of the bad traits of their ances- 
tors, the wolves and jackals. 

Sledge dogs are trained to obey by word 
of command, but this is invariably aided 
by the persuasive powers of a long whip, the 
proper use of which can be acquired only 
by several years’ experience. The whip 
lash, while fully six yards in length, has a 
handle of only sixteen inches, so that it re- 
quires considerable skill to throw out its 
entire length of sealskin so as to be able 
to strike with certainty a particlar animal 
in the team. Moreover after the blow has 
been delivered, it is necessary quickly to 
draw back the lash before it becomes en- 
tangled among the dogs or their reins, or 
on rough pieces of ice, thus dragging the 
driver violently from the sledge. Indeed, 
team driving is so laborious that for long 
journeys two drivers are necessary in order 
to afford an opportunity for occasional rest. 
To this intent, Joe had been training one 


344 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


of the crew, who had had some experience 
with dog teams, to aid him in driving. 

The boys spent much time with Joe while 
he was training the dogs. Joe, who liked 
to talk to the boys and had become attached 
to them, gave them much valuable infor- 
mation about the training of dogs and other 
things that entered into his every day work. 
This talking was necessarily carried on by a 
curious mingling of both English and Es- 
quimo words for both parties were working 
hard to learn the language of the other. 
They managed to make themselves fairly un- 
derstood. He told them that the Eskimos 
begin training their sledge dogs shortly 
after they are born, the puppies being placed 
with their mothers in a deep pit where they 
can see neither man or beast. That they are 
kept in this hole until six months old, when 
they are attached to the sledge with the other 
dogs. Under this training, the animals be- 
ing shy, would run very swiftly. On their 


THE WALRUS HUNT 


345 


return from the journey they would again 
be placed in the pit until old enough to take 
a longer journey when they become part of 
the regular dog team. It is probable that 
this cruel treatment does much to make the 
animals shyer, wilder, and more suspicious 
than they would have been by nature. 

Long before this time, Hector and Snow- 
flake, the boys’ Newfoundland dogs, had 
completely recovered from their injuries 
and had become so fond of the boys, that 
when not tied up, they would instantly 
come to them when called by name. 
Among other tricks the boys taught their 
dogs, was that of protecting them and keep- 
ing them warm in very cold weather by ly- 
ing over them. It was only necessary for 
the boys to lie down together in the snow 
and cry: 

“ Cover, Hector;” “ Cover, Snowflake,” 
when the intelligent beasts would quickly 
lie down, completely covering their bodies 


346 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


by their long, warm, silky fur. The dogs 
were the almost constant companions of the 
boys while outside the houses. 

Hans and Heinrich had also become much 
attached to the boys. This was especially 
the case with Hans, the more intelligent of 
the two men, who was always pleased to 
have them with him. Since the boys were 
fond of fishing and shooting, they enjoyed 
this companionship very much, and gained 
considerable information concerning the 
habits of the different land and water ani- 
mals of the Arctic regions, especially as to 
their food and other points that would have 
been impossible to obtain except from men 
like Hans and Heinrich, who had spent most 
of their life among these animals. 

Hans gave the boys the following infor- 
mation concerning the manner in which the 
Eskimos train their dogs to aid them in 
hunting the Polar bears. The dogs, that 
could do but little by directly attacking such 


THE WALRUS HUNT 


347 


a large animal, are trained to prevent the 
animal from getting away until the hunters 
come up. Bear hunting is generally carried 
on with two dogs, sometimes with more. 
When there are two dogs, one is trained to 
run ahead and draw the attention of the hear 
to him. As soon as the bear draws near, the 
other dog attacks him in the rear, thus per- 
plexing the animal, which turns to attack his 
new assailant. As soon as he does this, the 
first dog again attacks him. In this man- 
ner, the bear is kept at bay until the hunter 
reaches him. 

If, at a bear hunt, there are two men, 
which is generally the case, they employ 
similar tactics. One of the men makes a 
thrust at the animal without intending to 
strike him, as soon as the bear turns to at- 
tack him, thus leaving his side exposed, the 
other man gives him a thrust in the side with 
his spear. If this wound does not imme- 
diately kill the bear, the other hunter strikes 


348 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


him a second blow on the opposite side, when 
he turns to attack the first man. 

Hans told the boys that the Eskimo was 
in the habit of placing the skull of a dog 
on a child’s grave, believing, in their simple 
way, that since dogs are to be found almost 
everywhere, the dog’s spirit would guide 
the child safely to its home in the other 
world. 

One day, Hans, Heinrich, and Joe ex- 
citedly told the boys that a number of wal- 
ruses had been sighted around a hole in the 
thin ice in the ocean directly off the head- 
land, that they intended to try to kill one 
or more of these animals with their har- 
poons. This was one of the few occasions 
when neither of the boys nor the men had 
their rifles with them. As the men said 
there would be no time to go to headquar- 
ters for them, and that, rather than lose 
the opportunity of getting one of the ani- 
mals, they would see what they could do 


THE WALRUS HUNT 


349 


with the harpoons only. The boys followed 
them out on the ice. 

As they started toward the place, they 
heard a noise somewhat resembling the 
bellowing of a bull. Hans told them that 
this was the peculiar cry of the walrus. It 
would appear from the way the noise was 
kept up that the animals enjoyed their own 
music. Occasionally the animals would 
change the cry from the bull-like bellowing 
to a cry not unlike the barking of a mas- 
tiff. 

Considerable caution had to be employed 
in approaching the animals, so as not to be 
seen. As the wind was blowing toward 
the party there was no danger of their be- 
ing detected by scent, so they approached 
the animals single file, Hans leading. 
When near the opening where the animals 
were swimming in the water, they saw four 
very large walruses. Every now and then 
their heads would appear above the water 


350 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

while uttering their cries, and then disap- 
pear as they dove below the surface. It 
was comical to watch them. They held 
their heads up like people treading water. 
They would keep this up for a while and 
then suddenly disappear. 

In order to reach the edge of the strong 
ice, the hunters moved rapidly toward the 
opening, as soon as the animals disappeared, 
instantly hiding behind cakes of ice when 
the disturbance in the water indicated that 
the animals were about to come again to 
the surface. In this manner, they reached 
the edge of the thick ice without alarming 
the animals. 

Beckoning to Heinrich and the boys to 
remain where they were, Hans now care- 
fully ventured out to the edge of the ice 
where it was just strong enough to bear 
him. As soon as the head of a large wal- 
rus appeared above the surface of the 
water, he sprang suddenly to his feet and 



Drew the line against the iron rod 





































































































































































THE WALRUS HUNT 351 

raised his right hand in which he carried 
a harpoon, to one end of which was attached 
a long, strong line. Instead of at once 
seeking safety in diving, the walrus paused 
a moment gave a look of astonishment at 
the men who had so mysteriously appeared 
before him. He paid dear for this cu- 
riosity, for the harpoon, thrown with great 
force, sank deep into the blubber in one of 
his flippers, and the animal instantly dis- 
appeared. 

On its reappearance, Hans, holding the 
harpoon line in one hand, ran rapidly to- 
wards the stronger ice carrying with him a 
rod pointed with iron, suddenly driving this 
in the ice, he fastened the line to it. 

The wounded animal, thrashing violently 
to-and-fro in the water, drew the line tightly 
against the iron rod. Hans remained 
standing near the rod with his feet on the 
end of the line. While the animal was still 
struggling under water, the three un- 


352 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


wounded animals raised their heads above 
the water, looked fiercely towards the place 
where Hans was standing, and immediately 
disappeared. Taking advantage of a mo- 
mentary slackening of the line, Hans seized 
its end, together with the iron pointed rod, 
and, rushing rapidly with the line and rod to 
another part of the ice, again drove in the 
rod and attached the end of the line to it. 
Almost immediately afterwards, the three 
others rising up under this portion of the 
ice succeeded by their united efforts in 
breaking it, while the wounded animal 
again appeared above the water. Hein- 
rich, who had been waiting for this to occur, 
now succeeded in driving another harpoon 
into the animal. Finally, after considerable 
time the animal died and was pulled out 
on the ice. 

They could now closely examine the huge 
animal. Its rounded head, small eyes, and 
strong whisker-like bristles gave it an un- 


THE WALRUS HUNT 


353 


canny appearance. Its color was a tawny 
brown. It was eighteen feet long, and had 
nearly as great a girth, being, as Hans told 
them, rather beyond the ordinary size. But 
what particularly characterized the animal 
was the development of two of its teeth into 
what formed downwardly projecting tusks. 

“Hans,” inquired Eric, “does the animal 
use these tusks in fighting'?” 

“Yes,” replied Hans, “when it is obliged 
to protect itself against the Polar bear and 
other enemies, it can give a severe blow with 
these tusks. When in the water it can strike 
a blow with its tusks either downwards or 
upwards. For the most part, however, the 
w r alrus uses its tusks in obtaining food.” 

“What is its food?” asked Andree. 

“Mainly clams and muscles, which it digs 
out of the sand banks in shallow parts of 
the ocean.” 

“I think the tusks would make admir- 
able hoes,” said Eric. 

23 


354 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“Has the walrus no other food than shell- 
fish ?” inquired Andree. 

“Yes,” was the reply, “it also lives upon 
marine plants called algae. These some- 
times grow on single stems in water from 
thirty to thirty-five feet deep and yet almost 
reach the surface.” 

In preparing their reports for Gideon 
Brown, the boys not only obtained much in- 
formation from the books in the library, but 
also from Hans, Heinrich, and Joe, who had 
considerable experience in hunting the ani- 
mal. It was from this latter source that 
they were able to learn many important facts 
concerning the habits, food and breeding of 
the animals as well as their enemies. The 
latter information they especially desired 
for the reports to Commander Kransen, as 
to the possibility of breeding the walrus 
upon a commercial scale in accordance with 
one of Mr. Henderson’s requests. 

A few of the facts embodied in the reports 


THE WALRUS HUNT 


355 


to Coimnander Kransen and Gideon Brown 
were as follows : 

The walrus is sometimes called the sea-horse, the 
sea-cow, or the morse. It is one of the largest of ma- 
rine quadrupeds, its length being generally from ten 
to twelve feet, sometimes reaching twenty feet. It 
is covered with a tawny, brown eolored hide, so tough 
that it is difficult to penetrate it even with an ordinary 
bullet. It has a small head and small eyes. Its 
thick upper lip is covered with large bristles or whis- 
kers. 

The short feet of the walrus, provided with broad 
web-like paddles, are very poorly suited for move- 
ments over the ice or land on which the animals crawl 
very awkwardly, with motions not unlike those of a 
caterpillar. In the water, however, the animals can 
move as rapidly as a seal. 

But it is the two large, downwardly projected 
tusks, formed by the development of two of the canine 
teeth of the upper jaw, that especially characterizes 
the walrus. 

The tusks of the walrus which sometimes 
attain a length of two feet or more, consist 
of an excellent variety of ivory, so that, as 
the boys saw, if these animals could be bred 
in large numbers the ivory might readily be 


356 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


made a source of considerable revenue. 
Then, in addition to the ivory, there would 
be other valuable products such as the hide, 
which could be converted into a very strong 
leather by tanning, the meat, which can be 
employed as a food product, and the blubber, 
valuable for the production of oil. 

The walrus can be readily tamed, when 
it will sometimes manifest considerable af- 
fection for those who are kind to it. An 
account is given by Hartwig of a walrus that 
was shipped from Archangel to St. Peters- 
berg. The animal became so much at- 
tached to its keeper, a Madame Dennebecq, 
that it would instantly come to her on being 
called and appeared to be very happy when 
allowed to lay its head in her lap. 

But while capable of manifesting affec- 
tion, the walrus will exhibit great ferocity 
when attacked, or when going to the rescue 
of one of their number that has been at- 
tacked by hunters. This is especially the 


THE WALRUS HUNT 


357 


case with the female, when its young cub 
is attacked by the hunters. There are cases 
on record where the mother has not hesi- 
tated to interpose its body between the har- 
poon of the hunter and its offspring when 
hunters are trying to kill it. 

The walrus is necessarily confined to the 
shores of the Arctic regions, for neither the 
algae nor the sea-weed nor the clams nor 
shellfish on which it lives are found in very 
deep water. 

The walrus is gregarious, the animals al- 
most invariably moving about in companies, 
consisting of couples of males and females, 
with, during certain seasons, the young cubs, 
one generally with each pair. In all cases, 
however, one of the males appears to be 
recognized as the leader or chief. When 
a walrus climbs on the surface of the mass 
of ice to bask in the Arctic sunshine, it will 
generally soon be followed by others, that 
appear to be fond of lying close together. 


358 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


Even when, as is often the case, they appear 
to be sleeping on the surface of the water, 
there are almost always a number of the 
animals that are collected together. In all 
such cases, one or more of their number 
appears to be placed as guards or sentinels, 
whose duty it is to give notice of approach- 
ing danger. 


CHAPTER XVIII 


THE FIRE 

T HE long winter was rapidly approach- 
ing, and the time during which the 
sun was above the horizon was growing 
shorter and shorter, and even then was in 
such a position that its rays fell more and 
more obliquely, so that the earth, contin- 
ually losing more heat than it received from 
the sun, was growing colder and colder. 
In less than four weeks the long winter 
night would set in, when the earth, receiving 
practically no heat whatever, would take on 
the exceedingly low temperature of the north 
polar regions. 

Under such climate, the loss of shelter for 
a comparatively short time would result in 
almost immediate death. The members of 
359 


360 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

the Henderson-Kransen North Polar Expe- 
dition were so comfortably housed, that even 
the coldest winter of the bleak regions in 
which they had located their winter head- 
quarters, did not prevent them from living 
almost as comfortably as they would have 
done in the more favored climate of the 
eastern portion of the United States. 
Their houses were not only well heated and 
lighted, but were also thoroughly ventilated, 
so that the discomforts of indoor life, to 
which nearly all previous polar expeditions 
had been exposed, were completely absent. 
Their houses defied the coldest weather to 
lower their interior temperature. The ven- 
tilation having been, as already described, 
carefully looked after by Commander 
Kransen, was all that could be desired. 
Their coal supply was so abundant that it 
had not been necessary to limit its consump- 
tion to the mere lighting and heating of the 
buildings. There was even plently to per- 


THE FIRE 


361 


mit an excellent illumination of the outside, 
where the electric incandescent and arc 
lamps, made the neighborhood of the head- 
quarters nearly as well lighted as are the 
streets in many of the large cities of our 
country. 

All this, of course, was dependent on the 
preservation of their buildings for shelter, 
which had been carefully looked after. 
There were two causes that might destroy 
their headquarters; viz., high winds and 
storms, and accidental fires. There was, 
however, little or nothing to fear from the 
severest wind or storm, since the construc- 
tion of their houses and buildings was of 
such character as to enable them readily to 
withstand the strongest winds, the houses, 
as already stated, being securely fixed to the 
ground by means of heavy iron chains, thor- 
oughly secured to the rocky soil. It seemed, 
therefore, that fire was the only thing to be 
feared. 


362 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


The fire danger was constantly kept be- 
fore the attention of the officers and mem- 
bers of the expedition. As already stated 
in one of the preceding chapters, Kransen 
had formulated fire rules, which he posted 
in different parts of the winter headquar- 
ters. Not satisfied with this, he took fre- 
quent occasion to call the attention of both 
officers and crew to the position in which 
they would be placed should their buildings 
be destroyed during severe winter weather. 

4 ‘Our chances for living would, under 
such conditions, be very small,” he said. 

This was so evident that the greatest care 
was observed by all to avoid the accidental 
starting of a conflagration. 

Perhaps the greatest danger in an expedi- 
tion of this kind arising from fire risks lies 
in the fact that many of the men were in- 
veterate smokers, so that the rules prohib- 
iting them from carrying matches in their 
pockets was by many of them felt as a great 


THE FIRE 


363 


hardship. Kransen, who had expected that 
a difficulty of this nature would arise, had 
provided rooms in the winter headquarters, 
that were supplied with matches, where the 
men could go to smoke whenever they were 
off duty. In order to prevent them from 
carrying matches, he had availed himself 
of the use of the so-called safety matches, 
which, as is well known, can me lighted only ' 
by friction against a specially prepared sur- 
face. 

One day, while walking from the main 
headquarters to the wireless telegraph sta- 
tion on the headland, Eric said to Andree: 

“Andree, what a terrible thing it would 
be should our winter headquarters burn 
up.” 

“It would indeed,” replied Andree. 
“But if the fire rules Uncle Lars has pre- 
pared are observed, I do not see how a fire 
could be started. Of course some of the 
men may break these rules.” 


364 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“Why,” said Eric in surprise. “You 
surely do not believe that any of our men 
would for a moment think of breaking rules 
made for the safety of all?” 

“I am not sure, but that perhaps some 
of them might. You must not forget that 
many of the men are great smokers, and 
very much dislike never having matches in 
their pockets. I have heard considerable 
grumbling among some of them. I under- 
stand that they especially dislike the use of 
safety matches, which will strike fire only 
when rubbed against a substance placed on 
the side of the box for this purpose.” 

“You are up in chemistry, Andree,” re- 
plied Eric. “Do you know how safety 
matches are made?” 

“ Yes, ” was the reply. ‘ c All matches con- 
tain phosphorus. Now there are two kinds 
of phosphorus, ordinary phosphorus, and 
the variety called amorphous phosphorous. 
Ordinary phosphorus is so inflammable that 


THE FIRE 


365 


it will readily take fire when rubbed against 
any rough surface. Most matches contain 
ordinary phosphorus and some inert sub- 
stance such as sand mixed with a strong 
liquid glue. The wooden match stems are 
dipped into this mixture, which readily dries 
and hardens. Such matches as you know 
will readily ignite when rubbed against any 
rough surface. 

“ Safety matches, on the contrary, con- 
tain amorphous phosphorus, a variety of 
phosphorus that was discovered by a chem- 
ist named Schrotter. It is readily obtained 
by exposing ordinary phosphorus for a 
long time to a fairly high temperature, while 
surrounded by an atmosphere that is unable 
to act chemically on it. Under these cir- 
cumstances, the phosphorus changes from 
a transparent yellowish color to an opaque 
reddish substance which is far less inflam- 
mable than ordinary phosphorus. 

“Now, as I understand it, safety matches 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


consist of mixtures of potassium chlorate 
and antimony sulphide. These substances 
can be readily ignited only by friction 
against a specially prepared surface consist- 
ing of a mixture of amorphous phosphorus 
and antimony sulphide, held together, as in 
the case of ordinary matches, by strong 
glue.” 

“I see,” said Eric. “I say, Andree, it 
does not take much amorphous phosphorus 
to ignite a safety match, does it?” 

“No, it takes only a very small quantity.” 

“Of course,” said Eric, “such a surface 
is able to ignite a great number of matches. 
But you need not answer that question,” he 
continued, “for I know that the material on 
the side of the boxes is not used up after 
all the matches in the box have been ignited, 
but that it is capable of igniting many 
others.” 

“What are you up to, anyhow, Eric?” 
said Andree, seeing that Eric was thinking 


THE FIRE 


367 


of something in the way of an experiment. 

“I will show before Ion g,” was the reply. 
“ Please do not ask me now.” 

That evening, while Eric and Andree were 
in their cabin, Eric said : 

“Wait here a moment, Andree,” and leav- 
ing the cabin, soon returned with Prof. 
Kransen. 

Closing the door, Eric said : 

“Professor, I wish to ask you a question 
that I do not want any one but Andree to 
hear.” 

“Well, my boy,” said Prof. Kransen. 
“What is it?” 

“I want you to give me a safety match 
first.” 

“All right,” said Kransen. “Come into 
my stateroom where there is a box of such 
matches.” 

Dr. Hanscombe was in the stateroom 
when the boys entered it. 

Prof. Kransen remarked : 


368 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“I suppose, Eric, that you do not mind 
your uncle being present, do you?” 

“Of course not,” said Eric, laughing. “I 
have no secrets from Uncle Horace.” 

“Well then,” said Kransen, handing him 
a safety match. “Here is the match. Now 
what do you want to ask me?” 

“Professor,” said Eric, laughing. “Do 
you think that I could light this match by 
rubbing it against one of my shoes?” 

“Of course not,” replied Kransen. “It 
is a safety match, and lights only when 
rubbed against a specially prepared sur- 
face.” 

Eric now greatly surprised all in the 
cabin by rubbing the match against the side 
of his shoe, when it instantly ignited. 

“I do not understand that, Eric,” re- 
marked Kransen. “This match should not 
ignite except when rubbed against a surface 
prepared for it. Here,” he said, beginning 
to suspect that the lad was playing a trick 


THE FIRE 


369 


on Mm. “See if you can light this,” hand- 
ing Eric another match. “No,” he said, as 
Eric was about to strike against the same 
shoe. “Try it on the other shoe.” 

Eric smiled, and rubbing it against the 
other shoe, instantly lighted it. 

Kransen now began to look worried. 

“I do not understand this at all,” he re- 
marked to Hanscombe. “If these matches 
will ignite when struck against other sur- 
faces, they can no longer be regarded as 
safety matches.” 

“Are you sure,” said Dr. Hanscombe, 
laughing, “that they will ignite when 
struck against any surface? Suppose we 
try.” 

Both Prof. Kransen and Dr. Hanscombe 
endeavored to light the matches by striking 
them against their shoes and other objects 
in the cabin, but were unable to do so. The 
failure in this experiment appeared to re- 
lieve Prof. Kransen considerably, for now 

24 


370 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


he was sure that Eric was playing a trick 
on him, so he said : 

“Well, Eric, suppose you tell me how yom 
do this.” 

“Prof. Kransen,” replied the lad, “I 
was talking to Andree to-day about these 
matches. He .explained to me how they are 
made, and I then saw how easy it would 
be, since but an exceedingly small quantity 
of the prepared surface is required for 
lighting the match, to place some of it on 
another surface, such as my shoe. I tried 
this, and found that the matches were read- 
ily ignited. Fearing that such a discovery 
might be made by the men, and that a fire 
might be accidentally started in this way, 
I thought that I should tell you at once, 
but privately, so that no one would know 
the fact.” 

“Iam very glad, Eric, that you have told 
me this as you have. It is indeed a dan- 
ger. You will, of course, be careful not to 


THE FIRE 


371 


let any of the men know that this can be 
done.” 

When the boys left the cabin, Kransen 
said to Hanscombe: 

“Eric is a very bright lad. The discov- 
ery he has made I fear may be made by 
some of the crew, so we must keep on the 
lookout for such a thing happening.” 

There were among the crew some invet- 
erate smokers, to whom the absence of 
matches, especially when out-of-doors, was 
a matter of considerable inconvenience. 
These men were so addicted to the smoking 
habit that the necessity of returning to 
headquarters to the smoking rooms, where 
only they could get matches, greatly incon- 
venienced them, so that whenever an op- 
portunity presented itself, they took a 
number of matches from the box, and slyly 
slipped them into their pockets. Of course, 
such matches were useless unless they could 
find the sides of the boxes after they were 


372 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

emptied. By an unfortunate oversight, 
however, the old boxes were carelessly 
thrown aside when replaced by new boxes, 
so that by getting hold of the sides of the 
old boxes the men had no difficulty in ignit- 
ing the matches they had thus appropri- 
ated. This practice spread, so that the car- 
rying of matches for smoking outside the 
headquarters increased. At first, they were 
careful so to dispose of the unburned por- 
tion of the stems that they would not be 
seen, but at last, growing indifferent, they 
got into the dangerous habit of throwing 
the match, even while still lighted, away 
from them. It happened, therefore, in a 
short time, pieces of unburned match stems 
were found on the ground by the officers, 
who carried them to Prof. Kransen. 

“This is a serious matter,” said Kransen. 
“A dangerous fire might readily be started 
in this way.” 

At once calling Capt. Jones, Kransen re- 


THE FIRE 


373 


quested that all the men, including officers 
and crew, should at once be directed to as- 
semble in the large entertainment room. 
As some of the men were in different parts 
of the winter headquarters, or on the vessel, 
it was a half hour before they were all as- 
sembled in accordance with Kransen’s or- 
ders. 

The unusual hour for the assemblage, for 
it was then about half an hour before the 
regular dinner time, naturally created no 
little excitement among the men. 

“ What’s up, Matey?” said one of them to 
his companion. 

‘ ‘ I don ’t know, ’ ’ was the reply. i ‘ Perhaps 
there is another letter from Mr. Henderson. 
Say, that man writes tip-top letters all right. 
I hope this is as good as the last letter we 
heard, when, you remember, he agreed to 
give us extra wages if we should discover 
the North Pole.” 

When all the men reached the room, 


374 SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 

Kransen, Capt. Jones and the boatswain 
went on the platform. 

In a few well chosen words, Kransen in- 
formed the assemblage of the facts that he 
had recently learned concerning the finding 
of burnt match stems outside of their 
wooden buildings. It was clear, as he said, 
that the fire rules had been disregarded. 

“Now these rules,” he said, “must be 
obeyed, and as you are sensible enough to 
know this, I now ask you what you think 
about it, when I will tell you what I intend 
to do as Commander of the expedition. Any 
of you who wish to speak, therefore, have 
my permission to do so.” 

There was immediately a stir among the 
men, and in about three minutes one of 
them, evidently at the suggestion of his fel- 
lows, stood up and said : 

“My mates ask me to say that we all wish 
to have this thing looked into, and. that a 
search be made now of every one in the 


THE FIRE 


375 


room, especially of the smokers. Am I not 
right, mates'?” he said, turning to the men. 

“That is what we want,” said another. 
“Let a search be made of all, both officers 
and men.” 

“Well, then,” said Kransen to the boat- 
swain, Hjalmar, “pick out a few of your 
men, and thoroughly search all who are in 
the room.” 

The boatswain did as requested, but be- 
fore searching any of the other men, he 
said: 

“Begin with me, and then search each 
other. After that we will go through all the 
other men.” 

It is unnecessary to say that the search 
for matches on Hjalmar and those he had 
selected, did not show that any of these men 
were the guilty parties. 

It was not long, however, before matches 
were found on the persons of several of the 
smokers. As soon as the search was com- 


376 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


pleted, so that no guilty man should escape, 
it was found that only four of the men had 
been detected with matches on them. As 
soon as Kransen was satisfied that all had 
been taken, he dismissed the assemblage, ex- 
cepting the four guilty parties, saying that 
he would properly punish these men for 
breaking the rules, and the great danger to 
which they had exposed the entire expedi- 
tion. After consultation with Capt. Jones, 
the men were put in irons for two days, and 
were deprived of their grog for the next two 
weeks. They took the punishment in a 
proper spirit, agreeing that they had done 
wrong, and promised never to do so again. 

There are, however, ways in which seri- 
ous fires may be started by means other than 
the use of safety matches. One night, 
about five days after the events above re- 
ferred to, both boys had gone to their cabin 
for the night. Instead, however, of turning 
in, they sat up for several hours, talking 


THE FIRE 


377 


about the different occurrences of the past 
few weeks, especially about the danger of 
fire. 

It was past midnight when they finally 
got into their berths. Andree fell asleep al- 
most as soon as his head touched the pillow, 
but Eric was not so fortunate. Contrary 
to his usual habit his journey to the Land 
of Nod was extremely slow, though ordi- 
narily he got there quite as quickly, if not 
more quickly, than Andree. This was 
partly due to Andree ’s persistent snoring, 
which was not only loud but distressingly 
regular. Eric stood it as long as he could, 
when finally jumping up, and leaning over 
Andree, and shaking him said good-na- 
turedly : 

“Turn over on your side, Andree, and 
stop that steam engine noise. I would like 
to get a little sleep.” 

“What’s the matter, Eric?” inquired 
Andree, only half awake. 


378 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


“The matter is that you are snoring so 
that I can’t sleep.” 

“Was I snoring'?” said Andree* “I’m 
sorry. I’ll try not to do it again.” Turn- 
ing on his side he was soon again in a deep 
sleep and began snoring, if anything, worse 
than before. 

“All right,” said Eric, “I’ll not bother 
him again. I’ll try to get some sleep any- 
how.” 

But try as much as he could, sleep did not 
come to the lad. It was indeed fortunate 
that it did not. A fire had started in the 
balloon room, that unless promptly extin- 
guished would probably have resulted in the 
entire destruction of the main buildings of 
the winter headquarters, for it had taken 
place shortly after the visit of the watchman 
appointed for making the rounds of the 
buildings every hour of the night, so that 
he would not have visited this part again 
for nearly an hour. 


THE FIRE 


379 


As Eric tossed restlessly in his berth in 
the vain endeavor to sleep he detected a 
smell that he instantly recognized as due to 
the burning of some combustible matter. 
At once jumping up and shaking Andree 
until he was thoroughly awakened, he said : 

“Turn out, Andree, there is fire near us.” 

Andree at once jumped out of bed, and 
ran together with Eric clad only in their 
pajamas into the hall outside the sleeping 
quarters. Smoke was seen pouring out of 
the door leading to the machine shop, and 
on reaching it, bright flames were seen in 
one of the farther corners of the room. 
Seizing a hand-grenade, Eric threw it at the 
burning mass, extinguishing the greater 
portion of the flames. ' This simple instru- 
ment depends for its operation on a chem- 
ical solution that, under the action of the 
heat of the fire, liberates large quantities of 
carbonic acid gas. It is effective as a fire 
extinguisher only after the fire has gained 


380 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


considerable headway, since it must be fairly 
heated before the gas will be liberated in 
sufficient quantities. In the meanwhile 
Eric had requested Andree to raise the cry 
of fire so as to aid in the extinguishing of 
the rest of the flames, and soon there was 
an abundance of help, both from the officers 
and the crew. 

It was fortunate that the lads had called 
for help and not attempted to subdue the 
fire by the aid of Andree only, for at this 
moment a keg containing varnish and India 
rubber dissolved in a highly explosive liquid 
employed for rendering the silk sides of the 
balloon impervious to the contained gas, as 
well as for insulating electric cones, sud- 
denly exploded, and being ignited by the lit- 
tle fire that remained, started a furious 
blaze again in different parts of the room, 
so that the combined efforts of some ten or 
twelve of the crew under the direction of 
Kransen, who was one of the first to reach 


THE FIRE 


381 


the room, were required before the fire was 
entirely extinguished. Indeed, at one time 
it seemed as if it would get the better of 
them, for it was beginning to eat its way 
through a part of both the wall and the ceil- 
ing of the room. The prompt use of a 
chemical engine, that Kransen had provided 
for this purpose, was, however, able to ex- 
tinguish the flames before a stream of water 
was turned on from a hose connected with 
the supply of water obtained from the fire- 
hole. 

Great praise was given to Eric for dis- 
covering the fire and promptly employing a 
hand-grenade in checking its early progress. 
Had it been permitted to burn unchecked 
for only a little longer, it would probably 
have gotten so far under way that it would 
have entirely destroyed the principal por- 
tion of their winter headquarters. 

The actual loss of the apparatus and tools 
was fortunately small and was of such a 


382 


SEARCH FOR THE NORTH POLE 


character as to be readily repaired. A 
wood-turning lathe, near which the fire 
started, however, was hopelessly destroyed. 

An investigation was made after the fire 
had been extinguished to determine its 
cause. This was found to be what is known 
as spontaneous combustion; that is, fire or 
combustion due to causes other than the di- 
rect application of external heat. 

Gideon Brown wrote a full report of the 
fire, its origin and extinction, and requested 
the boys to prepare separate reports. It ap- 
pears that some cotton waste, which had been 
employed for cleansing oiled machinery, had 
been carelessly thrown in one of the corners 
of the room, among some shavings and turn- 
ings, lying near a turning lathe employed 
for wood working. As is common under 
such circumstances the temperature of the 
rags gradually increased until they burst 
into flame. This occurred, as is often the 
case, after midnight, owing, possibly to the 


THE FIRE 


383 


fact that the rooms having been shut up for 
the night, the temperature of the air was 
higher than usual. 

Of course orders were immediately given 
to prevent the recurrence of fires of this 
character. The collection of greasy cotton 
waste was forbidden, and that in actual use 
was hereafter to be kept in metallic vessels, 
so that if it should chance to ignite it would 
be unable to start a fire. 

But we have already passed the limits of 
a single volume. There yet remain to be 
told various interesting and exciting events 
that occurred to the different members of 
the Henderson-Kransen North Polar Expe- 
dition in their efforts to reach the north 
pole. These will be fully related in a book 
called, 

^THE DISCOVERY OF THE NORTH POLE.” 


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Bound in Extra Cloth, with gold title and ap- 
propriate cover designs stamped in colors, 
attractive and durable, printed on the best 
paper from large clear type. Illustrated, 

12mo . 

PRICE PER VOLUME, - $ .75 

Catalogue mailed on application to tlie Publishers. 

THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., Publishers 

PHILADELPHIA 


























11 1907 








































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